Ontario takes major step forward for animal welfare with ban on medically unnecessary surgeries (opens original article in a new tab)

Ontario implements a ban on medically unnecessary surgeries for animals, including feline declawing and canine ear cropping, effective January 1, 2027, following advocacy by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.

• Ontario bans feline declawing, canine ear cropping, and devocalization unless medically necessary
• OVMA advocates for animal welfare and pushed for the ban over a decade
• Canine tail docking and dewclaw removal are excluded from the ban