Ear cropping: the law by country

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 1, 2022Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be sold

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

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 Dec 12, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold
• May not be imported

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

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 Jan 1, 2025Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

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 Jan 1, 2019Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Jan 31, 2008Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Jan 1, 2027Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Feb 10, 2024Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

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 Jul 1, 2025Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Jan 1, 2001Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

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 Jan 1, 2024Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold

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 Jan 1, 2010Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold
• May not be imported

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 Sep 1, 2023Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Dec 4, 2010Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be sold

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown
• May not be sold

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 May 9, 2021Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

• May not be imported

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Sep 29, 2023Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Apr 6, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Apr 2, 2012Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Apr 30, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Mar 27, 2007Checked Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

Only a licensed veterinarian, using anesthesia when appropriate. Misdemeanor.

Md. Code, Criminal Law s.10-624Checked Nov 4, 2026

• May not be shown

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

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 Nov 4, 2026

Misdemeanor unless done by a licensed veterinarian using accepted veterinary surgical protocols.

RCW 16.52.095Checked Nov 4, 2026