WSAVA CONDEMNS PHYSICAL ALTERATION OF ANIMALS

Releases statement to oppose cosmetic or behavioural control reasons

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The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has expressed its opposition to the physical alteration of an animal's body for cosmetic or behavioural control reasons. It has also called on veterinary teams to educate their clients regarding the harm that these procedures can cause and counsel them as to how to improve their animals' welfare and living conditions.

With 'cosmetic mutilations' a growing problem in many parts of the world, even in countries where they are illegal, such as the UK and many European countries, the WSAVA's Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) has prepared the Position Statement to highlight the problem and support the many national veterinary associations which have already initiated their own campaigns. It also hopes to encourage other associations and kennel clubs to phase out breed standards that support cosmetic mutilation and, instead, to take a health-focused approach to these standards.