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A puppy named Shaka reportedly died during an ear-cropping surgery in Memphis, Tennessee. Find out what could have prevented his death and how you can protect other dogs from similar fates.
What Happened to the Puppy Who Died During an Ear-Cropping Procedure?
According to his guardians, Shaka died during an ear-cropping procedure at Teon’s Puppy Palace, a business owned and operated by dog breeder Jamiel Carpenter. Shaka’s guardians were allegedly told that his death was their fault because they had given him a couple of ice chips an hour prior to the procedure. The grieving guardians felt that something was amiss and contacted the authorities. Memphis Animal Services is now investigating to determine the puppy’s cause of death.
However, Shaka’s death was preventable: There’s no reason for a dog to undergo an ear-cropping procedure. No matter what anyone who breeds or mutilates dogs claims, there’s no reason to crop a puppy’s ears, and it is not a painless, “routine” procedure like a nail trim.
Ear-Cropping FAQs
Do vets recommend ear cropping?
Ear cropping is a purely aesthetic, cosmetic surgery. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that “ear-cropping and tail-docking are not medically indicated nor of benefit to the patient. These procedures cause pain and distress and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of anesthesia, blood loss, and infection. Therefore, veterinarians should counsel dog owners about these matters before agreeing to perform these surgeries.”
Is it cruel to crop a dog’s ears?
Ear-cropping procedures are so cruel that they’re banned in many European countries. For example, British kennel clubs banned ear cropping a century ago, and cosmetic tail docking has been illegal in the U.K. since 1993.
What dog breeds need their ears cropped?
No dog needs ear cropping, which is a painful cosmetic procedure. Nevertheless, the American Kennel Club promotes it at its canine beauty pageants, and breeders who believe that “their” breed will be “ruined” if it doesn’t maintain the image established decades ago by parent breed clubs also argue for it.
Do dogs’ ears hurt after being cropped?
Yes, ear cropping is painful for dogs. Dogs forced to undergo ear cropping procedures are usually just 8 to 12 weeks old. At this stage in their development, the trauma of the procedure can have a strong psychological impact on the maturing pup. The “healing” process of taping and retaping the ears in order to force them to stand upright after they’ve been cropped can also be agonizing.
In addition, ear cropping and similar unnecessary procedures, such as tail docking, limit dogs’ ability to communicate, as they typically “speak” to other canines and their human companions through ear and tail signals.
How You Can Help Dogs Like Shaka: Take Action
Shaka’s death is not an isolated incident: Many dogs die during grooming sessions, including baths and nail trims, and at facilities that have no regard for animals’ well-being or lives. Don’t end up in grieving guardians’ shoes. Never trust just anyone with your family members’ lives.
