Dear Dog Lovers Everywhere

Hey there, I'm Sarah—a fan of dogs, particularly Rottweilers! I am writing to express my profound concern about the widespread practice of tail and ear docking in dogs and to seek your support in bringing an end to this inhumane and potentially harmful procedure. My goal is to shed light on the ethical implications of cosmetic alterations and to advocate for the well-being of our beloved pets.

Reasons for My Petition:

Ethical Considerations: Tail and ear docking, often pursued for cosmetic reasons, raises ethical concerns. I believe in respecting the natural beauty of animals and treating them with the kindness they inherently deserve.  Why torture an animal just to have it look a certain way?

Communication Implications: Tails and ears play crucial roles in animal communication. Altering these natural means of expression may hinder their ability to convey emotions effectively, impacting their social interactions and overall well-being.

Potential for Increased Aggression: There is growing concern that animals subjected to tail and ear docking may exhibit increased aggression. Scientific studies suggest a correlation between such procedures and behavioral issues, raising questions about the long-term impact on the temperament of our pets.  As a Rottweiler owner and lover who has been around rotti's for over 30 years, I can attest to the fact that Rottweilers are way sweeter when they don't have docked tails. 

Pain and Distress: The procedures involved in tail and ear docking can cause significant pain and distress for the animals, particularly when performed without proper pain relief. It also hurts them later on in life.  When you accidentally hit their nub with your leg it clearly pains the dog. My petition advocates for practices prioritizing the well-being and comfort of our pets.
Cultural Shift Towards Compassion: Our society is evolving towards a greater understanding of the emotional and physical needs of animals. Ending tail and ear docking aligns with this cultural shift, promoting a more compassionate approach to pet ownership.

Personal Call to Action:

I urge you to consider the following actions:

Support Legislation Against Cosmetic Alterations: Advocate for and support legislation that restricts or prohibits tail and ear docking for cosmetic purposes unless deemed medically necessary.
Raise Awareness: Help raise public awareness about the ethical concerns and potential negative effects of tail and ear docking. Encourage responsible pet ownership practices that prioritize the well-being of animals.
Educate Potential Pet Owners: Provide educational resources and information to potential pet owners about the natural functions of tails and ears. Encourage them to choose pets that have not undergone unnecessary surgical procedures.
Promote Alternative Practices: Encourage the adoption of alternative practices that celebrate the natural attributes of animals without resorting to unnecessary surgical alterations.
Additionally, I would like to emphasize the importance of individuals choosing not to purchase dogs that have undergone tail or ear docking. By making informed choices when selecting a pet, we can collectively contribute to a future where our animal companions thrive in environments that respect and protect their natural beauty.  I also would like to ask Veterinarians to please quit this inhumane practice.  It's animal cruelty and animal cruelty is illegal!

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Sincerely, Sarah Hartzog