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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 27, 2020 10:02 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative MaryLouise Isaacson |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Co-Sponsorship request- Animal Abuse: Ear Cropping |
| Believing to have originated in ancient Rome, ear cropping was first instituted to prevent injury to the ears of dogs raised for hunting, working, or fighting. Now, most ear cropping surgeries are performed between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks on puppies destined for the show arena or as a medical intervention to lower the risk of ear infections. However, ear cropping is a very intense procedure, needing anesthesia and weeks of aftercare by the dog’s owner. When done correctly by a licensed veterinarian as required by current law, cropped ears will heal without infection; unfortunately, there are some individuals who feel it unnecessary to go through the proper routes when cropping their dog’s ears. My legislation aims to protect our furry friends by increasing the penalty for ear cropping if not done through the proper means by a licensed veterinarian from a summary offense to a third degree misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses would constitute a second degree misdemeanor. Done improperly, ear cropping can cause severe pain and infection to puppies, an abuse that must be punished accordingly. Increasing the penalties for not having a dog’s ears cropped by a veterinarian as required by current law will show those who wish to skirt the law that we will not stand down. Please support the safety and well-being of our four-legged family members by co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB2365