Last month, the Ontario government solicited public feedback on proposed amendments to the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act. These proposed changes aim to prohibit certain medically unnecessary veterinary procedures for cats and dogs.
Included within a broader package of anti-crime legislation introduced last fall, the proposed changes would specifically ban three surgeries classified as unnecessary: feline declawing, ear cropping in dogs, and devocalization, which involves the removal of a dog's vocal cords.
However, the exclusion of tail docking from the proposed ban has raised eyebrows among animal welfare advocates. Tail docking, which was initially included in the draft legislation, has been removed without any explanation prior to the public consultation phase. Drew Woodley, a representative from the Ontario SPCA, expressed surprise at this decision. He emphasized the necessity to include tail docking in the legislation, highlighting that the procedure typically involves amputating puppies' tails when they are only a few days old for aesthetic reasons.
Critics of tail docking argue that the procedure is performed solely for cosmetic purposes or based on outdated breed standards. They assert that this practice can pose significant risks, including infections, chronic pain, and even fatal blood loss in young puppies.
In response to inquiries regarding the exclusion of tail docking, the Solicitor General's office reiterated the importance of the public consultation process. In an official statement, the ministry stated, “All comments and feedback, including feedback on other types of procedures, will be reviewed and considered by the ministry.”
Woodley added that advocacy efforts will continue to urge the government to include tail docking in the final legislation. While the public consultation does not guarantee that all comments will lead to policy changes, he emphasized the importance of pushing for a comprehensive ban that includes this controversial practice.
Despite tail docking not being included in the Ontario government's current proposed ban, various veterinary associations across Canada have already instituted prohibitions against performing cosmetic surgeries among their members. This reflects a growing shift toward prioritizing animal welfare and addressing the ethical implications of such practices.
As part of the ongoing effort to reform animal welfare legislation, stakeholders and the public have until February 5, 2026 to offer their feedback. However, it remains uncertain when any newly adopted bans might ultimately take effect.
