Survey Results Re: Cropping, Docking and Dewclaw Removal
Thank you to our members who took part in our July 2024 member engagement survey regarding the Ontario government consultation on cropping, docking, and dewclaw removal. As part of the amendments to the recently passed Bill 159, Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act (PUPS Act), 2024, the Ontario government is expected to hold public consultations on proposed regulations related to tail docking, ear cropping, dewclaw removal, and debarking under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (PAWS Act). We appreciate your valuable feedback, which will help inform our advocacy efforts with the government on this subject.
The following are the findings from the member engagement survey:
- A total of 800 CKC members took part in the survey (97% in English, 3% in French).
- 77% of the respondents believe that lawmakers should permit veterinarians the choice to perform procedures such as cropping, docking and/or dewclaw removal, considering animal welfare is ensured.
- Over 75% expressed that the veterinarians should be permitted to perform procedures that have been shown to prevent injury or harm to a dog such as tail docking or dewclaw removal. 52% of French respondents said that lawmakers should review evidence-based practices and reputable research that shows the benefits of certain practices and/or procedures.
- Members selected “preventative health measure” as the strongest argument to use with government:
- Cropping – 56% said preventative health measure.
- Docking – 69% said preventative health measure.
- Dewclaw Removal – 79% said preventative health measure.
- Members selected “research” to support cropping, docking and dewclaw removal to be the second strongest argument to use with the government.
- Some other arguments for allowing docking, cropping and dewclaw removal included the following:
- CKC members having the same rights as farmers (and farm animals)
- If procedures are not permitted to be performed in a safe way, then this could result in an increase in unlawful procedures
- Injuries (e.g. tail docking) are far more painful for dogs (than the procedures) if not prevented
- These procedures do not harm dogs (spaying and neutering more painful/invasive)
- In the situation where the province proposes a ban on these procedures,
- 31% said that cropping, docking, and dewclaw removal be allowed for CKC-registered dogs if carried out by an Ontario-licensed veterinarian (i.e. an exception for CKC members).
- 29% said that an exemption for preventative health and safety of dogs be requested.
- 88% of the respondents showed their support for a policy where CKC has a number of options that can be used and presented to the government based on the situation. These options include:
- Freedom of choice
- Freedom of choice for veterinarians to perform procedures
- Freedom of choice for veterinarians to perform procedures for preventative health reasons (e.g. with working or sporting dogs)
Overall, the results of the survey show that our members value and support the preventative health benefits of cropping, docking, and dewclaw removal. Our members also support sharing these preventative health and safety benefits with lawmakers, along with applicable research, to support the continued access to these practices.
CKC members support options that will allow them to continue to work closely with Ontario veterinarians to determine what is best for the health and well-being of their dogs, which include these practices, in consideration of their preventative health benefits.
In June, we held an engagement session with over 200 CKC members. Attendees got into small groups and discussed the same issues and a number of key themes were identified.
- Leave the decision to licensed veterinarians who have the skills and knowledge to continue to carry out these practices and procedures.
- Provide reputable research or examples to support cropping, docking and dewclaw removal. (E.g., UK exemptions for tail docking)
- Focus on the benefits of these procedures to support canine health, safety, and hygiene. (E.g., Torn dewclaws in adult dogs, leads to major surgery, pain, and suffering of our dogs)
- Promote responsible breeders and CKC member breeder expertise such as CKC Breeders have breed-specific knowledge and they health test their dogs.
- We need to engage governments and vet colleges/associations to foster a stronger relationship between veterinarians (existing and future) and CKC member breeders.
- We want to encourage veterinarians to receive training in canine reproduction and collaborate on common goals, responsible dog ownership, responsible breeders and the health and well-being of dogs.
All of the findings from this survey and from the engagement session will shape CKC’s approach with the government regarding this important subject. We look forward to representing our members’ interests in the coming months.
The Canadian Kennel Club is committed to promoting the health and well-being of purebred dogs and all dogs.
Changes Re: Train and Trial Licenses
We have been busy advocating on your behalf over the last several months and are pleased to share that after consulting regularly with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, with the unwavering support of Greg Steeves, our Ontario North Beagle Field Trial Council representative, the Ministry has advised CKC that the following amendments to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 and associated regulations would be effective as of October 1, and will allow our members/clubs to:
- apply for a license to own and operate a new train and trial area through a one- time 90-day application period, and
- obtain a license for an already established train and trial area where a person is looking to transfer the ownership and operation of their area.
Members interested in establishing a new train and trial area may apply for a new license during a one-time application period from October 1, 2024 – December 29, 2024. The Ministry has made some additional changes that may affect existing license holders and will provide notice of these changes, and the new opportunities, to them. For more detailed information about these changes and amendments, please click here web notice for Beagle Field Trial Clubs in Ontario.
We welcome these changes as they support our members who run and participate in field trial activities with their dogs, while ensuring the safety of all dogs, wildlife, and trainers alike. We have expressed our support for these changes in a letter to Premier Doug Ford and are pleased that our sport and traditions will be able to be enjoyed by future generations for years to come.
CKC Presented at OVC 25th Annual Animal Welfare Forum
On October 19, Dr. Jenn Woods, CKC Ambassador and OFA approved Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS) examiner and Sarah McDowell, Manager of Government and Stakeholder Relations represented CKC at the 25th Annual Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) Animal Welfare Forum, University of Guelph. Dr. Jenn and Sarah were pleased to present CKC’s advocacy activities regarding promotion and preservation of the health and well-being of all breeds, including brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds and the RFGS. Further, they emphasized the importance of CKC’s Integrated Breed Health Program (IBHP), that includes breeder education, breed health strategies, a DNA program, and more, to compliment initiatives such as the RFGS and support breeders with ongoing science-based education and best practices. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with OVC and veterinary colleges across Canada, in support of the health and well-being of all dogs.