Ear cropping and tail docking are cosmetic procedures performed on dogs for appearance, causing pain without medical benefit and banned in many countries.
Ear cropping and tail docking are performed for purely aesthetic reasons, reflecting historical breed standards or owner preference rather than any medical benefit to the animal. Ear cropping requires general anesthesia, a surgical procedure, and weeks of aftercare including taping and bandaging as the ears heal in the desired position. The procedure causes real pain and carries surgical risks. Tail docking performed in neonates without anesthesia causes acute pain - the common claim that puppies 'don't feel pain yet' is not supported by science. Dogs use their tails as important communication tools, and docked dogs may have impaired ability to communicate with other dogs. The ban in most developed countries reflects a consensus that aesthetic preference does not justify causing pain to animals, and the remaining permissiveness in some regions should change.