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Letters
The
following represent parts of letters sent to dog owners from The American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and from The Humane Society
of the United States. The letter from the ASCPA was written by Roger Caras, now deceased, during his tenure as president of ASPCA
 Letter
from Roger A. Caras, past president, ASPCA
July
16, 1998
Thank you for you
letter concerning the trimming of dog's ears. The ASPCA is opposed
to altering animals in the way you describe. I have no dog that
has been in any way physically altered, except for spaying and neutering.
I do not believe in cosmetic surgery. The AKC has to get tough on
these rules and so do the breed clubs. Those are the two places
where you can strike effectively. Westminster simply follows the
standards and practices within the fancy for each breed. Presently
the ear croppers have the floor and the attention of the AKC. That's
where progress has to be made. The ASPCA, as it is with most humane
organizations, will continue to be opposed to this kind of senseless
surgery. We think it is a form of cruelty albeit not a very great
one, but nonetheless senseless. I hope this letter answers your
inquiry. If you want to know where I stand, it's in your corner where
I will be found.
 Letter
from Leslie Sinclair, DVM, Director of Companion Animal Care, HSUS
December
27, 1996
Thank you for contacting the Humane Society of the United States
(HSUS) about the issue of "ear cropping" of specific dog breeds,
and congratulations on your championship! I agree that ear cropping
is an unnecessary, painful, disfiguring procedure for any animal
to undergo. I commend you for your efforts to persuade dog fanciers
to forego this surgery for their dogs, and to appreciate the natural
beauty of an uncropped dog. You impression that ear cropping is
not widely taught to veterinary students is correct. Thank you for
"leading by example"; this may be the best way to resolve this issue
for American showdogs.
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