Ontario to Ban Certain Cosmetic Pet Procedures, but Tail Docking Remains Legal
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Veterinarians and animal advocates are questioning the provincial government's decision to exclude tail docking from a new set of restrictions taking effect in 2027.
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, Ontario will implement a ban on several procedures for pets deemed medically unnecessary. According to reporting from CBC Toronto, veterinarians will be prohibited from performing devocalization, ear cropping in dogs, and declawing in cats. While this move makes Ontario the last Canadian province to adopt these specific restrictions, it remains the only province in the country that does not have a veterinary ban on tail docking.
Tail docking, which involves removing part of a puppy's tail typically within days of birth, was omitted from the new rules despite calls for its inclusion. Dr. Janice Honda, president of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), stated that the procedure can cause chronic and immediate pain, while also removing a body part essential for movement and communication. Animal Justice, a Canadian animal law advocacy organization, also urged the province to include the ban during public consultations held this winter.
Supporters of the practice argue it is a preventative measure. Isolde Ryan, a Doberman breeder, told CBC Toronto that docking is used to prevent injuries that could otherwise lead to more painful amputations later in a dog's life. This sentiment is echoed by the Canadian Kennel Club; a 2024 survey of its members found that 69 percent of respondents identified injury prevention as the strongest argument for allowing the procedure. Ryan further expressed concern that bans on such procedures could drive buyers toward less accountable sellers or puppy mills.
However, advocates argue the risk of injury does not justify the routine practice. Alexandra Yaksich, legislative affairs manager with Animal Justice, described the injury-prevention argument as overly cautious. Yaksich pointed to a 2010 British study suggesting that 500 dogs would need to be docked to prevent a single injury, and a 2014 Scottish study estimating that 320 spaniel puppies would need to be docked to prevent one amputation.
Saddam Khussain, a senior issues advisor and press secretary for the Ministry of the Solicitor General, told CBC Toronto that the ministry had consulted breeders, veterinarians, and the shelter sector. While Khussain did not provide a specific reason for the omission of tail docking, he stated the procedure could be considered in a future policy proposal.