To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
WHEREAS Ontario has taken important steps to protect animals from unnecessary cosmetic procedures through the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act and Ontario Regulation 152/26, which prohibits procedures including ear cropping, declawing, devocalization performed solely to alter an animal's appearance;
WHEREAS tail docking is a cosmetic procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of an animal's tail
WHEREAS tail docking can cause pain, distress, complications during healing, and the permanent loss of a body part that serves important functions in communication, balance, and overall animal welfare;
WHEREAS allowing tail docking while prohibiting other cosmetic procedures creates an inconsistency in Ontario's animal welfare framework, leaving animals vulnerable to an unnecessary and avoidable procedure;
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
- Amend Ontario Regulation 152/26 under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act to add tail docking to the list of prohibited cosmetic procedures performed on animals.
- Ensure that tail docking remains permitted only when performed by a licensed veterinarian for a legitimate therapeutic or medical reason that is in the best interest of the animal.
- Continue to promote evidence-based animal welfare standards that protect animals from unnecessary pain, suffering, and cosmetic alteration.
By prohibiting cosmetic tail docking, Ontario can further strengthen its commitment to animal welfare and ensure that animals are protected from unnecessary procedures performed solely for appearance or breed tradition.
THEREFORE we respectfully urge the Legislative Assembly to prioritize these measures to create a province where animal welfare is taken seriously and every animal is given compassion, protection, and a fair chance at a safe life.
