In response to a proposed ballot measure in Oregon, a resolution in California, and a recent upswing in proposals to limit the veterinary practices of tail docking, ear cropping and bark softening, AKC Government Relations has updated its resources to help lawmakers better understand humane procedures such as ear cropping, tail docking, dewclaw removal, and bark softening (“debarking”).  

AKC GR is pleased to introduce a new one-page fact sheet with brief talking points for you to share when communicating on this issue.  This document provides short, easy-to-read bullet points that underscore the purpose for these elective procedures and how they may benefit some dogs. 

This new fact sheet can be shared on its own or in conjunction with  Dispelling the Myths of Cropped Ears, Docked Tails, Dewclaws, and ‘Debarking’, an issue analysis published in December 2021 that provides even more details and information on these procedures.  

For more information, visit AKC GR’s key issue page www.akcgr.org/cropdock, and for more policy resources on a broad range of issues, be sure to visit the Legislative Action Center at www.akcgr.org.