Pets | No to non-preventive mutilation surgeries

The author addresses the Prime Minister François Legault and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Andrée Lamontagne

Alexandra Yaksich
Spokesperson for the collective of veterinarians, animal health technicians and the public against declawing

I would like to bring to your attention a subject close to the hearts of Quebecers: the protection of our pets. The pandemic has sparked an unprecedented wave of animal adoption. In the past year alone, 200,000 pets have been adopted in Quebec and, for the first time, more than half of Quebec households shelter a cat or a dog.^⁠1 However, our animal welfare laws have not been updated to reflect the latest scientific publications.

Worryingly, Quebec still allows outdated procedures such as partial digital amputation (commonly known as declawing), ear trimming, tail trimming and devocalization surgeries on pets.

No medical or scientific literature supports these procedures for the health of our animals. Studies show that these procedures are harmful and lead to negative consequences for our pets, such as chronic pain, premature pain, and an inability to express their normal behavior. Many argue that these procedures should be referred to by a more precise term: mutilation.

Despite the misconceptions that circulate, studies show that after a provincial ban on declawing^⁠2, the well-being of pets and society is increasing overall.

Quebec and Ontario are the only two provinces in Canada where these surgical operations are still authorized.

All associations and professional orders of veterinarians and technicians of Quebec (the Association of veterinary surgeons of Quebec, the Association of animal health technicians of Quebec, the Association of veterinary medicine students of Quebec and the Ordre veterinary surgeons of Quebec) as well as the Canadian Association of veterinary surgeons have taken a position opposing these procedures.

These interventions generate little or no profit for society. Indeed, in a context of shortage of veterinarians and technicians, fewer animals can be treated for much more urgent and more serious medical problems.

Today I use my voice to speak on behalf of the voiceless. Today, I ask you to ban non-preventive and non-therapeutic mutilation surgeries on our pets.

I trust my government, and I know we all want to be on the right side of history.