Widespread 'Cosmetic' Surgeries for Pets like Dandi, Danmi, and Danchi
Originally, Welsh Corgi Tails Are Long, Doberman Ears Are Droopy
"A Dangerous Act That Can Cause Aftereffects, Disabilities, and Trauma"
Pet Cosmetic Surgery Ban Bill Proposed in National Assembly Last Month
Cases of cosmetic surgery for grooming purposes on companion animals are becoming widespread. In response, animal protection organizations criticize this as an act of animal cruelty that ignores the habits and ecology of animals. Photo by Pixabay [Image source=Pixabay]
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Awareness of animal rights is increasing, but ear cropping and tail docking surgeries on dogs are still widespread. Experts point out that these practices ignore the natural habits and ecology of animals, constituting animal abuse that can cause lifelong aftereffects, disabilities, and trauma.
Pet cosmetic surgeries originally began with the purpose of protecting dogs. In the past, Welsh Corgis, which were herding dogs, had their tails docked to prevent accidents where livestock stepped on their tails, and Dobermans, mainly used as guard dogs, had their ears cropped to prevent other animals from biting their ears. Since these two breeds underwent cosmetic surgeries frequently, many citizens believe that the Welsh Corgi’s short tail and the Doberman’s pointed ears are typical. In reality, the Welsh Corgi’s tail is longer than commonly known, and the Doberman’s ears are naturally rounded and hang down.
Unlike in the past, nowadays many pet owners perform these surgeries simply for 'cosmetic purposes' even when raising dogs in ordinary households. Especially in the case of ear cropping, which involves cutting and erecting the ears, it is known to be very painful for dogs as it can cause increased sensitivity to sound and external stimuli, as well as inflammation. Tail docking also causes dogs to have difficulty communicating and expressing emotions by cutting off their tails.
There are also cases where teeth are cut, known as tooth cropping. Lee Won-bok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Union, said, "To prevent dog bite accidents, canine tooth cropping is performed, but this is a dangerous act that can cause lifelong disabilities and aftereffects for the dog." He added, "Since healthy teeth are cut, dogs inevitably experience discomfort every time they eat."
Some pet owners claim they chose surgery for the health of their dogs. They argue that surgery was necessary to prevent feces from sticking to the tail during defecation or to prevent water from entering the ears and causing inflammation. Regarding this, Lee said, "Surgery should only be allowed very restrictively for therapeutic purposes related to health. Owners should not unilaterally decide to perform surgery. It is a serious issue that requires professional consultation and exchange of opinions with animal organizations and veterinarians."
Normally, Doberman ears hang downwards, but they are often cropped to stand upright to look more courageous. Photo by Pixabay
Some point to 'loopholes in the law' as the reason for the rampant cosmetic surgeries on pets. Although it can be seen as violating Article 3 of the Animal Protection Act, which requires raising and managing animals as close to their natural habits as possible, and Article 8, which prohibits animal abuse, there is currently no clause that directly prohibits surgeries for cosmetic purposes.
In response, a bill to prevent cosmetic surgeries on pets was recently proposed in the National Assembly. On the 30th of last month, Lee Sang-heon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, introduced a partial amendment to the Animal Protection Act that bans surgical procedures such as cropping ears or docking tails for cosmetic purposes. According to the amendment, ear cropping is added as an example of surgical procedures on animals, prohibiting cosmetic surgeries, and violators will be fined up to 500,000 won.
Lee said, "The practice from the era when dogs were raised as herding or fighting dogs has continued into the pet era, causing unnecessary suffering. I hope that through this amendment, no more animals will lose their natural appearance due to human greed."
Countries like the UK have already banned cosmetic surgeries on animals by law. Lee Won-bok explained, "In countries like the United States and the European Union, pet welfare is highly developed. Animal abuse results in imprisonment as a basic penalty, and owners can be prohibited from owning or raising animals for several years afterward." He added, "In countries with mature pet cultures, such reckless and irresponsible mutilation of animals is condemned and criticized."
Lee cited the lack of respect for animals as the root cause of the prevalence of cosmetic surgeries on pets. He said, "There still seem to be many people who think of animals as objects. The civil law amendment is in progress to recognize animals as living beings rather than objects, but this is the result of not yet breaking away from the old mindset and customs that regarded pets as mere playthings, toys, or dolls."
He continued, "Pets are beings with senses and consciousness just like humans, capable of feeling pain, sadness, and affection. The act of unilaterally cutting or mutilating their bodies for the owner's satisfaction is animal abuse." He criticized, "The mindset of treating living precious beings as possessions, accessories, objects, or things out of superiority and pride is wrong."
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