Help ensure Ontario bans harmful veterinary procedures

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), along with other leading veterinary authorities and animal protection groups, oppose elective and non-therapeutic veterinary procedures because they are performed purely for cosmetic reasons or human convenience and cause lifelong harm to animals.

That is why declawing, ear cropping, and devocalization are banned in all Canadian provinces, with the notable exception of Ontario. To address this gap, Ontario recently proposed regulatory changes that would bring the province in line with the rest of the country and protect animals from needless suffering.

Now, they want to hear your views on the proposed changes. Please complete the survey by February 5, 2026 to ensure Ontario bans declawing, ear cropping and devocalization—along with tail docking (which is just as needless and harmful to animals).

Here are the steps to submit your comments:

1. Download the consultation feedback questionnaire at the bottom of the page here.

2. Check the box for “Yes” in question 1, 2, and 3 of section B in support of the prohibition of declawing, ear cropping and debarking.

3. In section C, check the box for “Yes” and explain your answer. You can use this paragraph as justification for your answer:

I believe that these procedures should be comprehensively banned unless they are performed solely for legitimate physically therapeutic reasons and carried out by licensed veterinarians.  I do not support granting exemptions for research facilities to perform any of these surgeries under the justification of research. Invasive procedures of this nature should occur only when they are necessary medical interventions required to ensure an animal’s health and welfare, as determined by a veterinarian. Additionally, the plan to perform these procedures should be included in the research proposal submitted to the institution’s Animal Care Committee (ACC) and should not be performed without prior authorization. 

4. In section D, check the box for “Yes”.

5. In section E, please add additional comments and ask for a prohibition for tail docking as well! You can use this text:

I urge the ministry to include tail docking in the list of prohibited procedures. Just like ear cropping, tail docking is performed solely to conform to artificial breed standards. Amputation of part of the tail inflicts acute pain, poses risks of infection, and can lead to chronic pain and nerve damage. Because a dog’s tail plays a critical role in communication, balance and overall wellbeing, docking can also impair a dog’s ability to signal stress, fear or friendliness—potentially increasing the likelihood of behavioural misunderstandings and aggression.

Submit your comments by uploading your questionnaire here.

You can also sign our letter which we will submit to the Ontario government here. 

Learn more about these painful and inhumane procedures:

Declawing: Declawing is the amputation of the last bone of each toe on a cat’s paw. It has serious implications for feline welfare and the bond between people and their cats. It causes long-term nerve damage, chronic pain, mobility issues, and hypersensitivity. It’s not just a physical injury—it’s a neurological one —and it lasts a lifetime.

Ear cropping: Ear cropping is the surgical amputation of part or all of a canine’s ear flaps simply to attain breed standards or to satisfy the arbitrary aesthetic preference of the guardian. There is often routine follow-up taping of the healing ears and/or affixing them to uncomfortable ‘rack’ devices for weeks. In some instances, additional corrective procedures must be performed in order to treat unplanned medical consequences or correct unforeseen cosmetic imperfections. Other health and behavior problems, including head shyness, can also ensue and linger.

Debarking (devocalization): Devocalization is the surgical removal of the vocal cords. Vocal cord removal is not a minor surgery by any means. It is an invasive procedure with the inherent risks of anesthesia, infection, blood loss and other serious complications. Barking and meowing are normal canine and feline behaviors. Once deprived of these essential behaviors, we can assume devocalized pets experience an increased level of frustration. Dogs and cats communicate their mental states to other animals and to humans through their body language and vocalizations. Fluctuations in the tone, intensity and frequency of their voices communicate a wide range of messages. Devocalization makes it much more difficult for them to communicate clearly.

Tail docking: Tail docking (caudectomy) is the amputation of part or all of a dog’s tail. It is done for the cosmetic preference of the caregiver, typically in order to meet artificial dog breed standards. Removing part of a dog’s tail can cause acute pain, risk of infection, and long-term complications, including chronic pain and nerve damage. The tail also plays an essential role in canine communication, balance, and overall well-being; docking can impair a dog’s ability to express stress, fear, or friendliness, increasing the risk of misunderstandings and aggression.