There's a move afoot in West Hollywood, CA to try to ban cropping and docking (and other cosmetic surgery) on animals. Here are two links to read:
The article:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/news/020705_nw_pets.html
In case this link becomes outdated, here is the text:
WEST HOLLYWOOD — A motion banning canine tail docking, ear cropping and other cosmetic procedures on pets in West Hollywood is scheduled to be introduced at tonight's City Council meeting.
"By docking the tails of dogs or cropping their ears, animals are subjected to painful and unnecessary procedures, and someone has to stand up to this cruelty," said Mayor John Duran, the motion's sponsor.
Duran introduced West Hollywood's ordinance banning pet declawing in 2003, which he said was the first by a North American city.
"I believe the anti-declawing ordinance was the first step in addressing cruelty to animals, but we have to do more, and this proposed ordinance is the next step," Duran said.
The proposed regulation also would ban procedures meant to prevent dogs from barking, the defanging of pets and other surgeries carried out for "noncurative" reasons.
Duran said that his motion, if it passes, would be the first of its kind in the United States.
AKC's stance:
http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=2415
West Hollywood, CA Considers Crop/Dock Ban
[Monday, February 07, 2005]
Attention California fanciers! At their meeting this evening, the West Hollywood City Council will consider asking the City Attorney to draft an ordinance banning ear cropping, tail docking, debarking, and other non-therapeutic procedures.
The American Kennel Club recognizes that ear cropping and tail docking, as described in certain breed standards, is an acceptable practice integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health. Appropriate veterinary care should be provided. We further believe that responsible dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, should have the right to make decisions about proper care and treatment for their pets—not the government.
Purebred dog owners worked hard to defeat a cropping and docking ban at the state level last year. Now the issue is resurfacing at the local level and could set a dangerous precedent for similar ordinances across California. Your help is needed once again!
What You Can Do:
Contact the Mayor and West Hollywood City Council Members. Urge them to oppose the ban on non-therapeutic procedures, including cropping and docking.
City of West Hollywood
8300 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (323) 848-6460
Fax: (323) 848-6562
http://www.weho.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=nav&navid=16
Mayor and City Council
The Honorable John J. Duran, Mayor
Councilmember Abbe Land
Councilmember Sal Guarriello
Councilmember John Heilman
Councilmember Jeffrey Prang
If possible, attend tonight’s meeting, which begins at 7 p.m.
For more information contact:
The Animal Council
TheAnimalCouncil@aol.com
AKC’s Canine Legislation department
Doglaw@akc.org, 919-816-3720