Banfield, The Pet Hospital is an international chain of veterinary practices. The practices are often associated with PetSmart stores.
Banfield is the largest chain of veterinary hospitals in the world. The corporation owns more than 700 pet health care centers.
I didn’t realize that, until recently, tail docking and ear cropping were available at Banfield outlets. They aren’t any more.
Here is an excerpt from an article found at DVM Newsmagazine’s website.
Banfield discontinues cosmetic ear cropping, tail docking
Jul 27, 2009
DVM NEWSMAGAZINEPortland, Ore. — Banfield, The Pet Hospital will discontinue ear cropping and tail docking surgeries, the company reports today.
Banfield’s decision follows an extensive review and subsequent approval by its Medical Standards Board, which is described as an internal panel of experienced veterinarians responsible for evaluating all medical standards and procedures.
In July, heated discussion about cosmetic surgeries erupted at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) meeting in Seattle where its governing body reaffirmed its position against ear cropping and tail docking.
“After thoughtful consideration and reviewing medical research, we have determined it is in the best interest of the pets we treat, as well as the overall practice, to discontinue performing these unnecessary cosmetic procedures,” explains Karen Faunt, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, vice president for medical quality advancement for Banfield. “It is our hope that this new medical protocol will help reduce, and eventually eliminate, these cosmetic procedures altogether,” Faunt adds in a prepared statement released today.
