01/22/2026
Important to know
Here’s why Ontario’s ban on vets performing ear cropping, tail docking and dewclaw removal matters. It’s never just about the issue at hand, it’s how that issue came to be, the forces tied to it, and what it means for the future. In a time when animal rights extremists are everywhere and Adopt Don’t Shop is being shoved down everyone’s throat, let’s take a second to look at what’s actually going on here.
You have greyhound racing banned in Florida, and the average pet owner cheers that those poor dogs aren’t being forced to run anymore.
You have timed dog sports like agility and lure coursing banned and the average pet owner cheers because those poor dogs don’t have to perform for peoples’ entertainment anymore.
You have states banning hunting and field trials and the average pet owner cheers that those poor dogs aren’t being forced to work with cruel hunters anymore.
You have a province trying to ban certain training tools and training styles and the average pet owner cheers because they would never use those cruel methods on their pet.
You have every province except for one that’s banned crop and dock and the average pet owner cheers because dogs shouldn’t be mutilated to suit owner’s preference.
You have places trying to impose mandatory spay and neuter by six months old and the average pet owner cheers because breeding shouldn’t be happening and adopt don’t shop.
You have PETA showing up at dog shows putting dogs in danger, but the average pet owner cheers because those poor dogs shouldn’t be forced to participate in beauty pageants and have no life.
The average pet owner isn’t going to care when the AR extremists push for dog sports to be banned because we’re making dogs compete for our entertainment. They won’t care when dog sledding is banned because those poor dogs have to pull that sled so far in the snow. They won’t care when service dogs are banned because those dogs are forced to work all day. They won’t care when it’s next to impossible for a responsible breeder to produce a litter because of regulation, because people should be adopting instead of shopping.
They might start to notice when all that’s left are poor representations of the breeds, the ones being produced from the backyard breeders who don’t care about the regulations and restrictions that pushed ethical breeders away. When these puppies grow up to be sickly dogs riddled with the health issues the ethical breeders would have tested for, or lack the correct temperament that the ethical breeders worked so hard for by working and showing their dogs.
They might start to notice when their only option for adding a dog to their family is a shelter dog with more baggage than they are prepared to handle.
By the time the AR extremists start pushing to end pet ownership (which is absolutely PETA’s goal) and the average pet owner takes notice and is shocked and appalled because they love their dog so much, there will be nobody left to fight for them. All of the breeders, hunters, dog sport competitors, mushers, service dog handlers, breed preservationists, etc are already gone because the average pet owner turned their back on them.
So no, Ontario banning ear cropping, tail docking and dew claw removal may not have any impact at all on the life of the average pet owner, and they may support it, but it’s never just about one issue. Maybe the average pet owner needs to look down at the labrador, golden retriever or German Shepherd at their feet and think about what went into developing the breed they love. The herding and hunting and working that AR extremists want to end. It all ties together and is a slippery slope and it’s going to end with you, average pet owner.
