Ear Cropping and Tipping
SPCA supports pinnectomy procedures only when conducted by a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, for therapeutic reasons and where adequate and appropriate medical care is provided prior to, during and after the operation, including anaesthesia and analgesia.
Ear cropping is prohibited under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018. SPCA advocates for the elimination of ear cropping from breed standards worldwide for pedigree animals.
SPCA supports ear tipping of stray cats when they undergo general anaesthesia as part of the desexing procedure. This is the universal symbol used to identify stray cats that have been desexed.
