Kupering af ører: the law by country
Where it is banned, allowed only under conditions or permitted. Each rule names its law and links to the source.
- Forbudt: 10 places
- Forbudt med undtagelser: 41 places
- Kun af dyrlæge: 7 places
Australien
Australian Capital Territory
Andre end dyrlæger må ikke udføre kirurgiske indgreb; en dyrlæge må kun kupere eller fjerne en hunds øre i terapeutisk øjemed.
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Non-vets may not perform surgical procedures; a veterinary practitioner may crop or remove a dog's ear only for a therapeutic purpose.
Animal Welfare Act 1992 (ACT), ss 19, 19A(1)(b)Checked 4. nov. 2026
New South Wales
Kun af medicinske eller terapeutiske grunde, af en registreret dyrlæge. RSPCA-siden opdateret 2024-06-03; lovens tekst kunne ikke åbnes, fordi NSW's lovgivningsside afviste automatiseret adgang.
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Medical or therapeutic reason only, by a registered veterinarian. RSPCA page updated 2024-06-03; the Act's text could not be opened because the NSW legislation site refused automated access.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW), as reported by RSPCA AustraliaChecked 4. nov. 2026
Northern Territory
Kun en dyrlæge, som med rimelig grund mener, at det er en rimelig og nødvendig terapeutisk foranstaltning. Op til 300 bødeenheder eller 3 år.
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A veterinarian only, believing on reasonable grounds it is a reasonable and necessary therapeutic measure. Up to 300 penalty units or 3 years.
Animal Protection Act 2018 (NT), s 24(7)(b), (8)In force since 1. nov. 2022Checked 4. nov. 2026
Queensland
- May not be sold
Kun en dyrlæge, som med rimelig grund anser det for til gavn for hundens velfærd. Overdragelse af en ørekuperet hund kræver et dyrlægecertifikat, undtagen for en forladt hund, der afleveres til et hundepund eller et dyreinternat.
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A veterinary surgeon only, who reasonably considers it in the dog's welfare. Supplying a cropped dog needs a vet's certificate, except for an abandoned dog surrendered to a pound or shelter.
Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld), ss 23, 29Checked 4. nov. 2026
South Australia
Kun en dyrlæge, som er overbevist om, at det kræves af terapeutiske grunde. Animal Welfare Act 2025 (SA), som ikke var i kraft den 2026-11-04, ophæver disse forskrifter, når den træder i kraft.
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A veterinary surgeon only, satisfied it is required for therapeutic purposes. The Animal Welfare Act 2025 (SA), not in operation on 2026-11-04, will repeal these regulations when it starts.
Animal Welfare Regulations 2012 (SA), r 6(1)(a)(iii), (2)(c)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Tasmania
Loven nævner ikke ørekupering. RSPCA Australia opfører det som forbudt efter denne lov, med en medicinsk eller terapeutisk grund hos en registreret dyrlæge som eneste vej.
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The Act does not name ear cropping. RSPCA Australia lists it as prohibited under this Act, with a medical or therapeutic reason by a registered veterinarian as the only route.
Animal Welfare Act 1993 (Tas), s 8(2)(a) (mutilation), as read by RSPCA AustraliaChecked 4. nov. 2026
Victoria
- May not be shown
Kun en dyrlæge, med terapeutisk virkning. En ejer må ikke lade det ske eller vise eller udstille hunden, medmindre det blev gjort før forbuddet eller lovligt i en anden jurisdiktion på et dyr, der aldrig har boet i Victoria.
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A veterinary practitioner only, for a therapeutic effect. An owner must not allow it, or show or exhibit the dog, unless it was done before the ban or lawfully in another jurisdiction on an animal never resident in Victoria.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic), s 3(1) prohibited procedure (a), ss 9(1)(l), 11AIn force since 12. dec. 2007Checked 4. nov. 2026
Western Australia
Ingen bestemmelse i WA nævner ørekupering. RSPCA Australia opfører det som ulovligt efter lemlæstelsesforbuddet, med en medicinsk grund hos en dyrlæge som eneste vej. Departementets hundestandard fra 2020 siger det samme, men angiver, at det er politik, indtil forskrifter vedtager det.
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No WA provision names ear cropping. RSPCA Australia lists it as illegal under the mutilation offence, with a medical reason by a vet as the only route. The department's 2020 dog standard says the same but states it is policy until regulations adopt it.
Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA), s 19(2)(a) (mutilation), as read by RSPCA AustraliaChecked 4. nov. 2026
Belgien
Brussels Capital
- May not be shown
- May not be sold
Forbudt siden 2001; tilladt af veterinære grunde, sygdomsbekæmpelse, integration i en virksomhed eller begrænsning af forplantning. Dyr med indgrebet, selv hvis det er udført, hvor det er lovligt, må ikke sælges eller deltage i udstillinger, medmindre det blev udført før forbuddet. Myndighedens side dateret 5. maj 2020.
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Banned since 2001; allowed for veterinary reasons, disease control, integration into a business, or limiting reproduction. Animals with the procedure, even done where it is legal, may not be sold or enter shows, unless done before the ban. Agency page dated 5 May 2020.
Law of 14 August 1986 on animal protection and welfare and the royal decree listing permitted interventions, as stated by Bruxelles EnvironnementChecked 4. nov. 2026
Flanders
- May not be shown
Fjernelse af følsomme kropsdele hos et hvirveldyr er forbudt, undtagen veterinær nødvendighed, obligatorisk sygdomsbekæmpelse eller brugs- og forplantningskontrol på Flemish Governments liste (ikke åbnet). Ingen må tilmelde eller optage et dyr med et forbudt indgreb til en udstilling, besigtigelse eller konkurrence.
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Removing sensitive body parts of a vertebrate is banned, except veterinary necessity, compulsory disease control, or use and reproduction control on the Flemish Government's list (not opened). No one may enter or admit an animal with a banned procedure to a show, inspection or competition.
Vlaamse Codex Dierenwelzijn (decree of 17 May 2024), arts 42 and 44In force since 1. jan. 2025Checked 4. nov. 2026
Wallonia
- May not be shown
Art. D.36 forbyder indgrebet med forbehold af undtagelserne. Art. D.38: en hest eller hund med amputeret hale eller ører må ikke tilmeldes eller optages til udstillinger eller konkurrencer, undtagen dyr opereret før dekretet. Domstolens dom blev åbnet, ikke selve kodeksen.
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Art. D.36 bans the intervention, subject to its exceptions. Art. D.38: a horse or dog with an amputated tail or ears may not be entered or admitted to shows or competitions, except animals operated on before the decree. The Court judgment was opened, not the Code itself.
Code wallon du Bien-être des animaux (decree of 4 October 2018), arts D.36 and D.38, as read in Constitutional Court judgment 119/2021In force since 1. jan. 2019Checked 4. nov. 2026
Bulgarien
Whole country
Kupering af ører for at ændre dyrets udseende. Opført som dyrplageri. Den læste tekst er en kommunal kopi konsolideret til State Gazette nr. 53 fra 2014; senere ændringer er ikke kontrolleret.
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Ear cropping to change the animal's appearance. Listed as cruelty to animals. Text read is a municipal copy consolidated to State Gazette no. 53 of 2014; later amendments not checked.
Animal Protection Act (Zakon za zashtita na zhivotnite), art. 7(2)(19)In force since 31. jan. 2008Checked 4. nov. 2026
Canada
British Columbia
Faglig regel, ikke en lov: binder kun CVBC-registrerede (dyrlæger), ikke andre. Kun for at behandle en skade eller sygdom i ørelapperne.
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Professional rule, not a statute: binds CVBC registrants (veterinarians) only, not other people. Only to treat an injury or disease of the pinnae.
College of Veterinarians of BC Bylaws, Part 4, s.231(2) (professional rule; s.231 revised 2023-11-13)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Manitoba
Faglig regel, ikke en lov: binder kun MVMA's medlemmer, ikke andre. Forbyder kosmetisk kupering for at opfylde en racestandard eller tradition.
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Professional rule, not a statute: binds MVMA members only, not other people. Bars cosmetic cropping to meet a breed standard or tradition.
Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association General By-Law No. 1, 4-6-14 (professional rule)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Newfoundland and Labrador
En dyrlæge må fjerne en del af øret efter en skade eller af anden medicinsk nødvendighed.
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A veterinarian may remove part of the ear after an injury or for other medical necessity.
Animal Health and Protection Act, SNL 2010 c. A-9.1, s.26; NLR 35/12 s.7Checked 4. nov. 2026
Nova Scotia
Tilladt, når en dyrlæge opererer for at behandle en skade eller sygdom eller af andre medicinske grunde, der er nødvendige for eller gavnlige for dyrets helbred (s.28(a)), og for landbrugspraksis i overensstemmelse med NFACC-kodekserne eller andre foreskrevne kodekser (s.28(b)). Gælder enhver person, ikke kun dyrlæger.
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Allowed when a veterinarian operates to treat an injury or disease or for other medical reasons necessary or beneficial to the animal's health (s.28(a)), and for agricultural practices in line with the NFACC codes or other prescribed codes (s.28(b)). Applies to any person, not only veterinarians.
Animal Protection Act, S.N.S. 2018, c. 21, ss.27-28Checked 4. nov. 2026
Ontario
En dyrlæge må gøre det, når vedkommende vurderer, at det er nødvendigt for at behandle en skade eller sygdom, og dokumenterer det i dyrets journal (s.1(2)). Gælder enhver person (PAWS Act s.22). Træder ikke i kraft før 2027-01-01.
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A veterinarian may do it when they determine it is necessary to treat an injury or disease and document that in the animal's records (s.1(2)). Applies to any person (PAWS Act s.22). Not in force until 2027-01-01.
O. Reg. 152/26 s.1, under Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, s.22In force since 1. jan. 2027Checked 4. nov. 2026
Prince Edward Island
Tilladt, når en dyrlæge opererer for at behandle en skade eller af andre medicinske grunde, der er gavnlige for dyrets helbred (s.6(3)). Rimelig og almindeligt accepteret landbrugspraksis ligger uden for loven (s.7). Dyrlægernes egne PEIVMA Bylaws s.25.2.7 kalder også denne kosmetiske kirurgi uprofessionel adfærd.
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Allowed when a veterinarian operates to treat an injury or for other medical reasons beneficial to the animal's health (s.6(3)). Reasonable and generally accepted agricultural practices are outside the Act (s.7). The vets' own PEIVMA Bylaws s.25.2.7 also call this cosmetic surgery unprofessional conduct.
Animal Welfare Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c. A-11.2, s.6Checked 4. nov. 2026
Quebec
Forbudt, medmindre en dyrlæge anbefaler det af terapeutiske grunde. Binder ejere og varetægtshavere samt personer inden for veterinærmedicin for denne bestemmelse (s.2). Omfatter tamme selskabsdyr: katte, hunde, kaniner, fritter, marsvin, selskabsgrise. Ørespidsning af herreløse katte i et TNRM-program er undtaget.
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Prohibited unless a veterinary surgeon recommends it for therapeutic reasons. Binds owners and custodians, and persons in veterinary medicine for this section (s.2). Covers domestic companion animals: cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, companion pigs. Ear tipping of stray cats in a TNRM programme is excepted.
Regulation respecting the welfare and safety of domestic companion animals and equines, CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, s.16In force since 10. feb. 2024Checked 4. nov. 2026
Saskatchewan
Faglig regel, ikke en lov: binder kun SVMA's medlemmer, ikke andre. Forbyder kosmetisk kupering for at opfylde en racestandard eller tradition.
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Professional rule, not a statute: binds SVMA members only, not other people. Bars cosmetic cropping to meet a breed standard or tradition.
Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association Bylaws (2026-09-27), s.12.3(l) (professional rule)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Cypern
Whole country
Kirurgi for at ændre udseende eller til andre ikke-terapeutiske formål er forbudt, især disse; undtagen hvor en dyrlæge finder det nødvendigt af veterinære grunde eller til fordel for et bestemt dyr og dokumenterer det skriftligt, eller for at forhindre forplantning. Tilsidesætter ikke forskrifterne om grise, læggehøns og slagtekyllinger.
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Surgery to change appearance or for other non-therapeutic purposes is banned, in particular these; except where a vet deems it necessary for veterinary reasons or for the benefit of a specific animal and documents it in writing, or to prevent reproduction. Does not displace the pig, laying hen and broiler regulations.
Animal Protection and Welfare Law 46(I)/1994, s.5, para (ζ)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Danmark
Whole country
- May not be shown
Kun hvor det specifikt kræves af veterinære grunde; af en dyrlæge, under bedøvelse med langvarig smertelindring. Ørekuperede hunde må ikke udstilles eller vises til bedømmelse; Food Administration kan give dispensation på dokumentation for veterinære grunde. Tidligere bekendtgørelser indeholdt samme regel.
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Only where specifically required on veterinary grounds; by a vet, under anaesthetic with prolonged pain relief. Cropped dogs may not be exhibited or shown for assessment; the Food Administration may grant dispensation on proof of veterinary reasons. Earlier orders held the same rule.
Bekendtgørelse nr. 607 af 26. maj 2025 om dyrevelfærdsmæssige mindstekrav til hold af hunde, ss.8, 9, 13In force since 1. jul. 2025Checked 4. nov. 2026
Estland
Whole country
Hunde og katte: forbudt siden 1. januar 2001, kun efter medicinsk indikation; den, der udfører det, idømmes bøde. Myndighedens side angiver ingen paragrafnumre; selve loven kunne ikke åbnes (Riigi Teataja kræver en browser med scripts aktiveret), så kontrollér den gældende ordlyd.
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Dogs and cats: banned since 1 January 2001, only on medical indication; the person performing it is fined. The agency page cites no section numbers; the statute itself could not be opened (Riigi Teataja needs a script-enabled browser), so check the current wording.
Animal Protection Act (Loomakaitseseadus), as stated by the Agriculture and Food Board (PTA)In force since 1. jan. 2001Checked 4. nov. 2026
Finland
Whole country
- May not be shown
Altid forbudt. Food Authoritys FAQ-side tilføjer, at ørekuperede hunde ikke må deltage i nogen udstilling, konkurrence eller prøve, officiel eller ej; spørgsmålet stillet til den vedrører også hunde importeret fra udlandet.
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Always prohibited. The Food Authority's FAQ page adds that cropped dogs may not enter any show, competition or test, official or not; the question put to it concerns dogs imported from abroad too.
Animal Welfare Act 693/2023 and the Government Decree on procedures, as stated by the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto)In force since 1. jan. 2024Checked 4. nov. 2026
Frankrig
Whole country
- May not be shown
- May not be sold
En dyrlæge må operere i dyrets egen interesse eller for at forhindre forplantning. Dyr med et forbudt indgreb må ikke sælges eller vises ved dyresalg, udstillinger eller messer, men statsborgere fra lande, hvor det er lovligt, må vise dyr, som lovligt er opereret dér. Datoen er denne versions.
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A vet may operate in the animal's own interest or to prevent reproduction. Animals with a banned operation may not be sold or displayed at pet sales, shows or exhibitions, though nationals of countries where it is lawful may display animals lawfully operated on there. Date is this version's.
Code rural et de la pêche maritime, art. R214-21In force since 1. jan. 2010Checked 4. nov. 2026
Grækenland
Whole country
Læst som ikke-terapeutisk lemlæstelse (akrotiriasmos), som artiklen forbyder som tortur; kastration og enhver veterinær handling med terapeutisk sigte er ikke lemlæstelse. Artiklen nævner ikke dette indgreb.
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Read as non-therapeutic mutilation (akrotiriasmos), which the article bans as torture; neutering and any veterinary act with a therapeutic aim are not mutilation. The article does not name this procedure.
Law 4830/2021, art. 24(1)(b)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Irland
Whole country
- May not be shown
- May not be sold
- May not be imported
Fjernelse kun af en dyrlæge for at diagnosticere eller behandle skade, sygdom eller infektion. Ørekuperede hunde må ikke vises eller konkurrere; salg eller overdragelse er forbudt, undtagen af opregnede velgørende organisationer, der omplacerer dyr; import kun efter licens med en dyrlæges certifikat om veterinært formål og anmeldelse; besiddelse er begrænset for senere kuperinger; kuperingsudstyr er forbeholdt dyrlæger.
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Removal only by a vet to diagnose or treat injury, disease or infection. Cropped dogs may not be shown or compete; sale or supply is banned except by listed rehoming charities; import only under licence with a vet's certificate of veterinary purpose and notice; possession restricted for later croppings; cropping equipment restricted to vets.
Ear-cropping of Dogs Regulations 2023 (S.I. 412/2023)In force since 1. sep. 2023Checked 4. nov. 2026
Italien
Whole country
Art. 10 som citeret i dyrlægeforeningen ANMVI's brev af 13. juni 2011, der siger, at Italien ratificerede uden forbehold; art. 10(2) tillader en dyrlægeundtagelse. Selve lovteksten kunne ikke åbnes; Normattiva bekræftede kun ikrafttrædelsesdatoen.
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Art. 10 as quoted in the veterinary association ANMVI's letter of 13 June 2011, which says Italy ratified without reservations; art. 10(2) allows a vet's exception. The statute text itself could not be opened; Normattiva confirmed the in-force date only.
Law 201/2010 ratifying the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, art. 10(1)(b)In force since 4. dec. 2010Checked 4. nov. 2026
Piedmont
Forbudt i regionen, bortset fra ekstraordinære ikke-æstetiske indgreb, som alvorlige helbredstilstande kræver.
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Banned in the region, save extraordinary non-aesthetic interventions needed by serious health conditions.
Regione Piemonte, L.R. 27/2009, implementing art. 10 of the European ConventionChecked 4. nov. 2026
Kroatien
Whole country
Den vedtagne tekst i NN 102/17 kunne ikke åbnes: læst i regeringens endelige lovforslag fra 2017, så ordlyden kan afvige. Undtagelser: veterinære sundhedsgrunde, kontrol med forplantning og lignende med bedøvelse og smertestillende behandling; zootekniske formål, herunder for jagthunde efter kennelstandarder.
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The enacted NN 102/17 text could not be opened: read from the Government's final bill of 2017, so wording may differ. Exceptions: veterinary health reasons, reproduction control and similar with anaesthesia and analgesia; zootechnical purposes, including for hunting dogs under kennel standards.
Zakon o zaštiti životinja (NN 102/17), art. 9 of the Government's final billChecked 4. nov. 2026
Letland
Whole country
- May not be shown
- May not be sold
Kirurgi for at ændre et kæledyrs udseende eller til andre ikke-terapeutiske formål er forbudt, medmindre en praktiserende dyrlæge ordinerer det. Art. 4.1 udelukker sådanne kæledyr fra konkurrencer, markeder, auktioner og offentlige udstillinger, medmindre der foreligger en dyrlæges journal over nødvendigheden, kupering af en tilladt race eller oprindelse i et land, hvor det er lovligt.
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Surgery to change a pet's appearance or for other non-therapeutic aims is banned unless a practising vet prescribes it. Art. 4.1 bars such pets from competitions, markets, auctions and public exhibitions, except with a vet's record of need, permitted-breed docking, or origin in a country where it is lawful.
Animal Protection Law (Dzīvnieku aizsardzības likums), arts 4.1 and 18Checked 4. nov. 2026
Litauen
Whole country
- May not be shown
En VMVT-meddelelse gengivet i pressen; loven kunne ikke åbnes. Siden 1. november 2024 må dyr med forbudte veterinære indgreb ikke vises ved arrangementer; ulovlig kupering af et kæledyr regnes som dyrplageri.
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A VMVT notice reprinted in the press; the statute could not be opened. Since 1 November 2024 animals with banned veterinary procedures may not be shown at events; illegal docking of a pet counts as cruelty.
Law on Animal Welfare and Protection (No. VIII-500), as stated by the State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Luxembourg
Whole country
- May not be sold
Et dyr må kun amputeres efter veterinære indikationer eller tvingende zootekniske grunde, fastsat ved storhertugelig forordning (ikke åbnet). Det er forbudt at holde og sælge dyr, der er amputeret i strid hermed; dyr amputeret før loven må holdes til deres død.
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An animal may be amputated only on veterinary indications or imperative zootechnical grounds, set by Grand-Ducal regulation (not opened). Keeping and selling animals amputated in breach is banned; animals amputated before the Act may be kept until death.
Loi du 27 juin 2018 sur la protection des animaux, art. 11Checked 4. nov. 2026
Malta
Whole country
- May not be shown
- May not be sold
Kirurgi for at ændre udseende, der fjerner eller beskadiger en kropsdel, uden helbredende formål, er ulovlig, medmindre forskrifter bestemmer andet. Sådanne dyr må ikke deltage i udstillinger eller konkurrencer, holdes i besætning, sælges eller købes. Art. 9 som ændret ved Act XXXV of 2014. Version af 3. december 2024, markeret som ikke den nyeste; forskrifter efter art. 9 ikke åbnet.
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Surgery to modify appearance that removes or damages a body part, other than for a curative purpose, is illegal unless regulations prescribe otherwise. Such animals may not enter shows or competitions, be kept in stock, sold or bought. Art. 9 as amended by Act XXXV of 2014. Version of 3 December 2024, marked as not the latest; regulations under art. 9 not opened.
Animal Welfare Act, Cap. 439, arts 9 and 10Checked 4. nov. 2026
Nederlandene
Whole country
- May not be shown
- May not be sold
Forbudt undtagen efter en dyrlæges konstatering af medicinsk nødvendighed, registreret i en dyrlægeerklæring. Ørekuperede hunde må ikke deltage i udstillinger, besigtigelser eller konkurrencer, heller ikke hvis de er kuperet i udlandet; arrangører må ikke optage hunde, der er kuperet efter 1. december 2016; handel med kuperede dyr er ikke tilladt. Et udkast til dekret fra december 2025 udvider reglen, mål 1. januar 2027; ikke kontrolleret som vedtaget.
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Banned except on a vet's finding of medical necessity, recorded in a vet's statement. Cropped dogs may not enter shows, inspections or competitions, even if cropped abroad; organisers may not admit dogs cropped after 1 December 2016; trade in cropped animals is not allowed. A draft decree of December 2025 widens the rule, target 1 January 2027; not checked as adopted.
Wet dieren, arts 2.8, 2.15, 2.16; Besluit diergeneeskundigen, ch. 2Checked 4. nov. 2026
New Zealand
Whole country
Ingen må kupere en hunds ører, og en ejer eller ansvarlig person må ikke tillade det. Ørekupering betyder kirurgi for at ændre ørets udseende af kosmetiske grunde, herunder for at få det til at stå op. Bøde op til NZ$5,000 (juridisk person NZ$25,000).
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Nobody may crop a dog's ears and an owner or person in charge must not allow it. Cropping means surgery to alter the ear's appearance for cosmetic reasons, including making it stand up. Fine up to NZ$5,000 (body corporate NZ$25,000).
Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, r 58DIn force since 9. maj 2021Checked 4. nov. 2026
Polen
Whole country
Kupering af hundes ører er nævnt som dyrplageri, medmindre det sker for at redde dyrets helbred eller liv. Bekræftet af Landbrugsministeriets svar af 24. oktober 2024.
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Cropping dogs' ears is named as cruelty unless done to save the animal's health or life. Confirmed by the Agriculture Ministry's reply of 24 October 2024.
Ustawa o ochronie zwierząt (21 August 1997), art. 6(2)(1), as amended by Dz.U. 2011 poz. 1373Checked 4. nov. 2026
Portugal
Whole country
- May not be imported
Kirurgi eller amputation for at ændre et selskabsdyrs udseende er en lovovertrædelse; holdere har brug for en dyrlæges attest om nødvendighed (veterinære grunde, dyrets interesse eller forebyggelse af forplantning); importerede dyr har brug for samme dokument, legaliseret. Læst i den oprindelige tekst fra 2001; senere ændringer (2003, 2012 og senere) kunne ikke åbnes, så kontrollér den gældende ordlyd.
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Surgery or amputation to change a companion animal's appearance is an offence; keepers need a vet's attestation of need (veterinary reasons, the animal's interest, or preventing reproduction); imported animals need the same document, legalised. Read in the original 2001 text; later amendments (2003, 2012 and on) could not be opened, so check the current wording.
Decreto-Lei 276/2001, arts 18 and 68(3)(c)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Rumænien
Whole country
Ikke-terapeutisk kirurgi for at ændre et dyrs udseende er forbudt og er en lovovertrædelse, der straffes med 6 måneder til 3 år eller bøde (tilføjet ved ændring i kraft 19. maj 2022).
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Non-therapeutic surgery to change an animal's appearance is banned, and is an offence punishable by 6 months to 3 years or a fine (added by amendment in force 19 May 2022).
Law 205/2004 on animal protection (republished), art. 6(2)(i) and art. 25(1)(a)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Slovenien
Whole country
Medmindre en dyrlæges sagkyndige udtalelse finder det i dyrets interesse, og en dyrlæge udfører det; afkortning af det ene øre med højst en fjerdedel markerer en steriliseret fritlevende kat. Konsolideret tekst fra 2013; senere ændringer op til ZZZiv-G fra 2025 er ikke kontrolleret.
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Unless a vet's expert opinion finds it in the animal's interest and a vet does it; shortening one ear by at most a quarter marks a neutered free-living cat. Consolidated text of 2013; later amendments up to ZZZiv-G of 2025 were not checked.
Zakon o zaščiti živali (ZZZiv-UPB2, Uradni list 38/2013), art. 20Checked 4. nov. 2026
Spanien
Whole country
Al lemlæstelse og varig kropsændring er forbudt, bortset fra terapeutisk behov eller begrænsning af forplantning og ørenotchning af frit levende katte. Art. 1.3 udelukker jagthunde, meuter og jagtens hjælpedyr fra denne lov.
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All mutilation and permanent body modification is banned, except therapeutic need or limiting reproduction, and ear-marking community cats. Art. 1.3 excludes hunting dogs, packs and hunting auxiliaries from this Act.
Ley 7/2023 de protección de los derechos y el bienestar de los animales, art. 27(b)In force since 29. sep. 2023Checked 4. nov. 2026
Galicia
Lemlæstelse, herunder for at bevare race- eller æstetiske træk, er forbudt; undtagen medicinsk-kirurgiske grunde, sterilisation, funktionelt behov eller fremtidig fordel for dyret, ordineret og udført af en dyrlæge.
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Mutilation, including to keep breed or aesthetic traits, is banned; except medical-surgical reasons, sterilisation, functional need or future benefit to the animal, prescribed and done by a vet.
Ley 4/2017 de protección y bienestar de los animales de compañía en Galicia, art. 9(h)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Murcia
Lemlæstelse af æstetiske grunde er forbudt; en dyrlæge må gribe ind af terapeutisk behov eller funktionelt krav, smertefrit under fuld bedøvelse.
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Mutilation for aesthetic reasons is banned; a vet may intervene for therapeutic need or functional requirement, painlessly under general anaesthesia.
Ley 6/2017 de protección y defensa de los animales de compañía de la Región de Murcia, arts 5(f) and 18Checked 4. nov. 2026
Storbritannien
England
Ikke et tilladt indgreb; et indgreb til medicinsk behandling falder uden for lovovertrædelsen. Defras svar på en andragende fra 2021: »ikke undtaget i henhold til forskrifterne fra 2007 og er følgelig forbudt i England«. Import: Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (c. 30) kræver fremtidige forskrifter, der forbyder indførsel af lemlæstede hunde og katte; den vedtagne tekst viser kun en bemyndigelse, der sættes i kraft ved forskrifter, og ingen ikrafttræden blev bekræftet.
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Not a permitted procedure; a procedure for medical treatment is outside the offence. Defra's 2021 petition response: 'not exempted under the 2007 Regulations and consequently is prohibited in England'. Import: the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (c. 30) requires future regulations to prohibit bringing in mutilated dogs and cats; the enacted text shows only a power, commenced by regulations, and no commencement was confirmed.
Animal Welfare Act 2006, s.5; Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/1100)In force since 6. apr. 2007Checked 4. nov. 2026
Northern Ireland
Paragraf 5(5) lader ethvert indgreb udført af en dyrlæge til diagnose eller medicinsk behandling falde uden for lovovertrædelsen, så en lægmand må slet ikke udføre dette. Ørekupering står ikke på listen over lægmandsindgreb. At tage et dyr ud af Nordirland for at få et forbudt indgreb udført er også en lovovertrædelse (s.5(3)). Import: Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (c. 30) kræver fremtidige forskrifter, der forbyder indførsel af lemlæstede hunde og katte; den vedtagne tekst viser kun en bemyndigelse, der sættes i kraft ved forskrifter, og ingen ikrafttræden blev bekræftet.
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Section 5(5) takes any procedure carried out by a veterinary surgeon, for diagnosis or for medical treatment outside the offence, so a lay person may not do this at all. Ear cropping is not on the lay-person list. Taking an animal out of Northern Ireland to have a prohibited procedure done is also an offence (s.5(3)). Import: the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (c. 30) requires future regulations to prohibit bringing in mutilated dogs and cats; the enacted text shows only a power, commenced by regulations, and no commencement was confirmed.
Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, s.5In force since 2. apr. 2012Checked 4. nov. 2026
Scotland
Ikke undtaget (forskrifterne fra 2007 og 2010 opregner ingen ørekupering); medicinsk behandling falder uden for lovovertrædelsen. At tage et dyr ud af Skotland for at få indgrebet udført er også en lovovertrædelse (s.20(3)). Import: Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (c. 30) kræver fremtidige forskrifter, der forbyder indførsel af lemlæstede hunde og katte; den vedtagne tekst viser kun en bemyndigelse, der sættes i kraft ved forskrifter, og ingen ikrafttræden blev bekræftet.
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Not exempted (the 2007 and 2010 Regulations list no ear cropping); medical treatment is outside the offence. Taking an animal out of Scotland to have the procedure done is also an offence (s.20(3)). Import: the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (c. 30) requires future regulations to prohibit bringing in mutilated dogs and cats; the enacted text shows only a power, commenced by regulations, and no commencement was confirmed.
Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, s.20; Prohibited Procedures on Protected Animals (Exemptions) (Scotland) Regulations 2010 (SSI 2010/387)In force since 30. apr. 2007Checked 4. nov. 2026
Wales
Ikke på den tilladte liste; et indgreb til medicinsk behandling falder uden for lovovertrædelsen. Import: Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (c. 30) kræver fremtidige forskrifter, der forbyder indførsel af lemlæstede hunde og katte; den vedtagne tekst viser kun en bemyndigelse, der sættes i kraft ved forskrifter, og ingen ikrafttræden blev bekræftet.
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Not in the permitted list; a procedure for medical treatment is outside the offence. Import: the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 (c. 30) requires future regulations to prohibit bringing in mutilated dogs and cats; the enacted text shows only a power, commenced by regulations, and no commencement was confirmed.
Animal Welfare Act 2006, s.5; Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (Wales) Regulations 2007 (WSI 2007/1029)In force since 27. mar. 2007Checked 4. nov. 2026
Sverige
Whole country
Board of Agriculture oplyser, at ørekupering er forbudt i Sverige, og advarer om, at en ørekuperet hund kan være indført ulovligt. Operative indgreb er forbudt, medmindre de er begrundet i veterinærmedicinske grunde; Board of Agriculture kan gøre undtagelser.
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The Board of Agriculture states that cropping ears is banned in Sweden and warns that a cropped dog may have been brought in illegally. Operative procedures are banned unless justified by veterinary medical reasons; the Board of Agriculture may make exceptions.
Djurskyddslag (2018:1192), ch. 4 s.2Checked 4. nov. 2026
Tjekkiet
Whole country
Opført som dyrplageri. Teksten er læst på et juridisk forlags kopi af Act 246/1992 Sb. (senest ændret 1. april 2025), ikke den officielle samling.
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Listed as cruelty. Text read on a legal publisher's copy of Act 246/1992 Sb. (last amended 1 April 2025), not the official collection.
Act 246/1992 Sb. on protection of animals against cruelty, s.4(1)(g)(1)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Tyskland
Whole country
- May not be shown
Amputation er forbudt, undtagen efter veterinær indikation. Hunde med ører eller hale amputeret i strid med dyrevelfærdsloven må ikke vises, og udstillinger med dem må ikke afholdes. TierSchG s.12(2) bemyndiger kun en fremtidig importregel.
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Amputation is banned except on veterinary indication. Dogs with ears or tail amputated contrary to animal welfare law may not be shown, and shows with them may not be held. TierSchG s.12(2) only authorises a future import rule.
Tierschutzgesetz, s.6(1); Tierschutz-Hundeverordnung, s.10Checked 4. nov. 2026
Ungarn
Whole country
Kirurgi for at ændre udseende eller som ikke tjener dyrets helbred eller forebyggelse af senere skade er forbudt, bortset fra kastration og indgreb fastsat i gennemførelsesreglerne.
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Surgery to change appearance, or not for the animal's health or preventing later harm, is banned, apart from neutering and interventions set by the implementing rules.
Act XXVIII of 1998 on animal protection, s.10(2)Checked 4. nov. 2026
USA
Connecticut
Kun en registreret dyrlæge, med hunden under bedøvelse. Et ulæget kuperet øre er prima facie-bevis mod den, der holder hunden, medmindre vedkommende har dyrlægens certifikat for kuperingen.
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Only a registered veterinary surgeon, with the dog under an anesthetic. An unhealed cropped ear is prima facie evidence against the keeper unless they hold the veterinarian's certificate of cropping.
Conn. Gen. Stat. s.22-366Checked 4. nov. 2026
Maryland
Kun en autoriseret dyrlæge, med bedøvelse når det er hensigtsmæssigt. Forseelse.
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Only a licensed veterinarian, using anesthesia when appropriate. Misdemeanor.
Md. Code, Criminal Law s.10-624Checked 4. nov. 2026
Massachusetts
- May not be shown
Kun en registreret dyrlæge (bøde op til $250); et ulæget sår er prima facie-bevis. Paragraf 80B forbyder at vise en ørekuperet hund på en hundeudstilling i staten, medmindre en dyrlæge attesterer, at kuperingen var rimeligt nødvendig.
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Only a registered veterinarian (fine up to $250); an unhealed wound is prima facie evidence. Section 80B bars showing a cropped dog at a dog show in the state unless a veterinarian certifies the cropping was reasonably necessary.
Mass. G.L. c.272 ss.80A, 80BChecked 4. nov. 2026
New York
Forseelse, medmindre hunden er bedøvet, og en autoriseret dyrlæge udfører indgrebet. Ansøgere om licens skal oplyse, om ørerne er kuperet. En ørekuperet hund må kun bringes ind udelukkende til avl, hvis kuperingen ikke var i strid med bestemmelsen.
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A misdemeanor unless the dog is anaesthetized and a licensed veterinarian operates. Licence applicants must state whether ears were cut. A cropped dog may be brought in exclusively for breeding if the cropping did not violate the section.
N.Y. Agriculture and Markets Law s.365Checked 4. nov. 2026
Pennsylvania
Kun en autoriseret dyrlæge med hunden bedøvet. Den, der lader det udføre, skal registrere dyrlægen, datoen og stedet, opbevare optegnelsen, indtil såret er helet, og give den videre sammen med hunden. Et ulæget sår er prima facie-bevis.
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Only a licensed veterinarian with the dog anesthetized. Whoever procures it must record the veterinarian, date and place, keep the record until the wound heals, and pass it on with the dog. An unhealed wound is prima facie evidence.
18 Pa.C.S. s.5542(a)Checked 4. nov. 2026
Washington
Forseelse, medmindre det udføres af en autoriseret dyrlæge efter anerkendte veterinærkirurgiske protokoller.
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Misdemeanor unless done by a licensed veterinarian using accepted veterinary surgical protocols.
RCW 16.52.095Checked 4. nov. 2026
Østrig
Whole country
- May not be shown
- May not be sold
- May not be imported
Undtagelser kun hvor det er uundværligt for den tilsigtede anvendelse eller for at beskytte dyret eller andre eller for at forhindre forplantning, som fastsat ved forordning efter s.24; smertefulde indgreb kræver bedøvelse og efterbehandling. Dyr, der ikke er landbrugsdyr, født efter 1. januar 2008 med sådanne indgreb, må ikke importeres, erhverves, formidles, overdrages (s.8(3)) eller udstilles (s.8b(2)); at tage et dyr til udlandet for indgrebet er forbudt.
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Exceptions only where indispensable for the intended use or for protecting the animal or others, or to prevent reproduction, as set by regulation under s.24; painful procedures need anaesthesia and aftercare. Non-farm animals born after 1 January 2008 with such procedures may not be imported, acquired, brokered, passed on (s.8(3)) or exhibited (s.8b(2)); taking one abroad for it is prohibited.
Tierschutzgesetz (TSchG), s.7(1), s.8(3), s.8b(2)Checked 4. nov. 2026
What each status means
- Forbudt
- Prohibited outright.
- Forbudt med undtagelser
- Prohibited except under named exemptions, such as certified working dogs or a vet's medical decision.
- Kun af dyrlæge
- Allowed only when a vet performs it, often with pain relief or an age limit.
The law on other procedures
- Halekupering
- Halekupering (landbrugsdyr)
- Fjernelse af ulvekløer
- Fjernelse af hornanlæg
- Afhorning
- Kloamputation (onykektomi)
- Devokalisering (fjernelse af stemmebånd)
- Næbtrimning
- Vingeamputation
- Tandklipning
- Mulesing
- Fjernelse af kam og hagelapper
- Fjernelse af sporer
- Isætning af næsering
- Brændemærkning
- Frysemærkning
- Indsnit i halen (rejsning)