Is it easy to stop the tail of your beloved dog

Professional dog breeders practice a long time for stopping ears and tails. We are already so accustomed to the image of dogs with such features that we do not present them in a natural way. Therefore, when planning mating Dobermans or Rottweilers, the breeder, without hesitation, asks the veterinarian about when the tails and ears are stopped by the puppies. Let's first see if this procedure is needed.

We accept them as they are.

Today, more and more often on the street you can find thoroughbred dogs in their natural form. Doberman ears and dog dogs are no longer standing on their heads, clipped to the patterns in the form of a flame. Being lop-eared, they do not have such a formidable look, but, getting used to it, one can say that they are even nicer. The long tails of some breeds also seem to be an extra “detail”, but this is perceived more easily.

For many inexperienced owners, this question is highly relevant. When do puppies stop their tails and do they need to do this? Today, arresting is officially prohibited for most breeds in the European Union. In Russia, while you can still cut off the ears and tails, or leave everything as is. In any case, they will be bred and allowed to compete in the breeding exhibition. But if you decide to follow traditional standards, then you need to find out when puppies stop their tails.

When it happens

If the mating was registered in the club, then after the puppies are born, you should invite a specialist who will perform the inspection. He examines the offspring and, if he recognizes his breed, then leaves puppy cards. Now you can invite the vet. Usually the breed curator and informs the owner when the tails are stopped by the puppies. There is not much time to think. Depending on the breed, they do this for 2-7 days of life, while the vertebrae are still very soft.

Is it possible to do it yourself

It is highly undesirable, unless you are a breeder with great experience. The procedure is carried out without anesthesia, at this age it is contraindicated. Moreover, no special equipment is required for this. But doing the operation yourself is not worth it, unless you are a breeder with great experience. But the ears cut short at the age of two to three months under general anesthesia.

Vet work at home

It is not necessary to stop the puppies at the clinic. You can call the doctor home and provide him with a comfortable desk for work. The whole operation takes a few minutes, after which the puppies will be returned to the mother. The doctor will have to decompose the sharp scissors, cotton, antiseptic, sterile wipes. Nothing more is required. The seams on the tail do not impose, which greatly speeds up the procedure.

So, usually puppies are taken away from mom, and they send her for a walk. The owner gets the first baby and passes it to the doctor. He quickly cuts off the tail and presses the wound with a cotton swab with a disinfectant solution. Two minutes later, the baby is sent to the basket, and the vet takes the next one. Puppies with docked tails fall asleep very quickly, as if they didn’t hurt. Therefore, when the mother returns, she will find her family completely calm.

Tail length

There are no clear standards here. Some breeds are left with 2–3 caudal vertebrae; others, for example Erdels, remove only one third of the tail. There are breeds that do not have a single standard, that is, the breeder himself decides what to do with the tail. For example, wolfhounds. But all the standards agree on the age at which the puppies stop their tails. While the vertebrae are still soft, this operation will be the least painful. Therefore, do not pull. If you decide to cut the tail, then do it before the pet reaches ten days of age.

Cupping ears

In this case, much depends on the breed. For the Caucasian shepherd is the third day of life. The operation is not too complicated. Puppies simply cut off the top of the auricle, while it is very thin. It turns ears, like a bear. Therefore, it is quite possible to stop a puppy's ears and tail at one time.

If we are talking about Dobermans or dogas, then everything is more complicated. The owner needs to wait until the babies are three months old. During this time, the head and ear reach the desired size. Before the procedure, the babies are not fed for eight hours, after which they are taken to a veterinary clinic. There are already surgeons do their job:

• The first thing is anesthesia. Puppy laid on a special table, paws pull and firmly secure. In addition, fix the jaw and torso of a puppy.
• The auricle is treated with an antiseptic, and the place on which the arrest is made is cleaned of wool.
• According to a special pattern, doctors cut out the desired shape. The operation lasts about an hour, so the owner needs to be patient.
• After the operation, the treatment is repeated and the patient is released home. Usually after two weeks it is necessary to remove the seams.

Recovery after surgery

Even if we are talking about tail arresting, it is still a surgical intervention. Therefore, the doctor must assess the risks and familiarize them with the breeder. If the puppy is weak, it is recommended to postpone this procedure and, at an older age, perform it already under anesthesia or refuse it altogether.

After docking the tail or ears, the puppies need the most thorough care. The place where they sleep should be dry and clean so that there is no risk of infection. The wound needs to be inspected twice a day. The slightest signs of suppuration - the reason immediately visit the doctor. In itself, such an intervention is a trauma to the animal. Therefore, a decrease in appetite can occur, drowsiness can be observed during the first two days after the procedure. But if the puppy completely refuses to eat, then you need to sound the alarm.

Breeds of dogs requiring docking

Ear cupping is a standard requirement for breeds such as boxer, Doberman, Great Dane, American Terrier, Rottweiler, Schnauzer. This group does not include Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Central Asians, as this procedure is carried out very early in them (weekly).

The tails are cropped by standard in the following breeds: American and English Cocker Spaniel, Bobtail, Doberman, Boxer, Airedale Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Giant Schnauzer, etc.

Misconceptions and facts

And today, most owners are confident that they are doing this in the interests of their dog. In fact, she is well the way nature has created her. We have already said on what day do the puppies stop their tails. Of course, they will quickly forget the pain, because they are too small. But no benefit from the short tail will not receive. Let's look at the main misconceptions that justify stopping:

• The procedure reduces the ear's susceptibility to diseases and inflammations. It has already been proven that the shape of the auricle does not affect this. If you clean your ears in time and consult a doctor if necessary, you will not need to do a cupping.
• Many people believe that this procedure is painless. This conclusion is made from how quickly the puppies calm down. In fact, they hurt like everyone else. And the postoperative period is painful in all living beings. Moreover, the anesthesia itself is very harmful for dogs.
• It is believed that a dog would be better off without a tail and ears. Very strange conclusion, because these are the bodies that are responsible for communication. The movements of the ears and tail show the mood of the pet, helps to interact with other animals and humans. Therefore, to leave the dog without them and to believe that you are doing it better, at least strange.

Instead of conclusion

As practice shows, animals with clipped ears and tails appear less frequently at recent international exhibitions. Many cynological centers began to struggle with such methods of “beauty” targeting. The fact is that with the help of body language animals express needs and emotions. Moreover, with the help of special signals they can resolve conflicts.

Second moment. The tail is a continuation of the spine. Its removal leads to the fact that the load on the musculoskeletal system increases. That is, its absence prevents reasonable distribution of the load on the bones and muscles of the animal according to the mechanism originally laid down by nature.

Tailless life

Why does a dog need a tail? This organ in such animals serves as a kind of steering wheel, a control lever. He is an active helper, when the pet is in fast motion, he must suddenly turn, or run along a log, on some uneven surface. And it is also a way of communication, which can tell a lot about the mood of the animal, its intentions. Everything is known about positive tail wagging, showing a friendly disposition, or preloading it when fright manifests. The animal sends tails, moving it to the left or right. Tailless dogs are deprived of this opportunity. So what's the use of cupping?

It turns out the procedure came from ancient times. In the old days, it was used for dogs of imperial legionnaires, firmly believing that arresting rescues dogs from such a serious illness as rabies. After some time, the tails were cut off to representatives of service or fighting breeds, as the most painful places. Animals intended for hunting were shortened so that they would not hurt themselves by clinging to the bushes.

Went, went. It has reached our days, so it is difficult to imagine some breeds of these animals without docking.

But now the new standards. In some European countries, do not stop dogs. All anything. For people who make a friend to themselves "for the soul", the value of the length of the tail is not so important. The main thing is that he is distinguished by loyalty, devotion, docility, and also be cheerful, cheerful. Difficulties arise when dog owners plan to take part in various exhibitions with them.

If specific assessment standards are defined for the caudate representatives, then what awaits those whom it is customary to see tailless? True, we have cropped animals are not deprived of attention. They are usually given preference.

But over time, probably, such an inhuman operation generally sinks into oblivion. A vivid testimony to the fact that many European dog shows already do not consider docked representatives. And despite the fact that there are more and more such exhibitions, soon the tailless dogs will completely step aside.

The conclusion here is quite understandable. If you are counting on "career growth" for your pet at the European as well as world level, then when choosing a breed, think about the tail.

Of course, you can talk a lot about whether a dog should be cut off its tail. Supporters of this procedure, as well as opponents - a lot. One thing is clear: the tailless life does not bring special joy to the dogs themselves. So is it worth it to traumatize the pet with this, if not such a complicated surgical intervention, simply because it matches the adopted appearance? Solve it should only his master. As a result, the tailless dog habitually lives, runs, but it does not have full maneuverability, stability, sociability. Therefore, it should not be cut off this important part of the body without special need.

Puppy age well suited for surgery

For what purpose we do the cupping of the dogs. Now, consider the average pet age at which an operation can be performed. To begin with, almost a third of all known breeds undergo an operation:

• Dobermans, rottweilers,
• Great Danes,
• Setters, terriers,
• Boxers, poodles.

You can list for a long time, but the essence of this will not change. Cupping is a tradition that has come down to us from far times. At the time of the Roman Empire, this operation was carried out to dogs because of their activities - hunters, watchmen, rescuers, shepherds didn’t need long dangling tails, which were considered “superfluous attributes”.

Today, many dog ​​breeders consider the operation meaningless - dogs living in the conditions of the city are not involved in the work (with the exception of the watchman) it turns out that there is simply no point in getting rid of the ears and tail.

Age restrictions when stopping

The tail is a continuation of the pet's spine, consisting of 15-23 vertebrae. The first 2-3 vertebrae, which have intervertebral discs, are especially developed. “Tail” vertebrae practically do not play any role in the life of the animal - all loads fall on the back. Therefore, people believe that stopping the tail section is an unpleasant business, but harmless and safe.

The tail is cut in the first days of life when the puppy is not even ten days old. In this situation, the dog has not yet formed bones, and the spine is cartilaginous growths. According to veterinarians, precisely at this age, the operation goes as smoothly as possible and almost painlessly.

Experienced breeders advise to stop puppies after 3-4 days from birth. The tail is stopped at the same moment when the 5 finger is removed from the dog. Another immutable rule - the breed of a dog in many ways affects the length of the tail cut. It is believed that the shorter the cut, the more painful the pet experiences (the weak baby may die).

Not rarely, the operation is done at a later date - when the puppy is not more than six months old. But it should be noted that at this age cartilage is already formed in the bone and the operation should be done by an experienced dog breeder or veterinarian, using anesthesia and with subsequent procedures. After the operation, the pet will have to give medicine and constantly drive to the reception.

Operation - process features

Now we will look at how to stop a puppy in the right way. Breed dogs - the main criterion that affects the length of the tail cut. The procedure itself is performed on a predetermined vertebra.

Independently determining the position of a vertebra in a dog breed is an impossible task. Therefore, many dog ​​breeders are guided solely by special signs on the tail. Do not trust the procedure to a simple and inexperienced veterinarian. This is done by the breeders of a breed that conduct operations independently. Remember - properly cut the tail will allow your dog to participate in exhibitions, and will not spoil the appearance.

If the operation is performed correctly, your pet will experience almost no pain and will quickly recover from the procedures.

Is stopping good or bad?

When you can stop a dog's tail is a question that has drunk teeth on many dog ​​breeders and scientists. According to research conducted at the University of Cleveland, where 50 puppies of various breeds were used as "experimental", the following was established:

• Each of the puppies uttered a screech when knocking over the tail,
• On average, after the procedure, the kids continued to whine on average 140 seconds,
• After this time, they calmed down, but still squeaked, feeling discomfort during the movements,
• In the process of studying the reaction of dogs, not one baby died.

What conclusion did the scientists come to? Dogs, like any living thing, even at an early age experience painful shock and discomfort after surgery. Most researchers have come to the conclusion that this is a meaningless mockery of animals. It will be interesting about the causes of tooth loss in dogs.

Modern studies have shown that the tail is also the organ of communication between dogs - for example, when they are afraid, they tighten it, when they rejoice - they wag, they sense something or feel danger - they pull it with an arrow. That is why this operation is considered inhuman.

The last question remains - is it possible to stop the tail of an adult dog? Most veterinarians tend to be negative. Cutting off the formed bones, even under anesthesia, will deliver terrible pain to the animal. Also, it will be very difficult to undergo a healing process. And finally - your pet can be very offended (yes, in this regard, they are like people) and simply don’t understand why he was “punished” and he is in so much pain.

Why do dogs stop their tail - the history of the procedure

There are many documented evidences in which it is indicated that dogs stopped their tails in ancient times. For example, in ancient Rome, pets that herded cattle were removed part of the tail, because they believed that it would save the animal from rabies. These data can be found in the works on agriculture “De re rustica”, by the ancient Roman writer Lucius Junius M. Columella.

The hunters cut off the tails of their dogsso that they could not get hurt in the forest, when pursuing the victim, in a battle with wild animals. For the same reasons, tails and burrowing dogs were cut off.

In addition to such goals, people who deprived their dogs of their tails also pursued monetary gain. In the XVIIIth, in Old England, a law was introduced, imposing taxes on all dog owners. This rule did not apply only to owners of service breeds. Отсутствие хвоста или его части указывало на принадлежность животного именно к этому классу, и, чтоб сэкономить на питомце, хвосты отрубали всем собакам подряд.

Браконьеры также лишали своих собак хвостов, чтоб избежать наказания, в случае поимки. Длинный хвост считался признаком охотничьих пород, и его отсутствие могло быть на руку нечестивому владельцу.

Овчаркам удаляли хвосты, так как эти dogs protected livestock and could often encounter wolves and other strong predators. In fights with wild animals, the tail is easily damaged, and such injuries are very serious and heavy in treatment. To eliminate the possibility of this situation, the dogs simply deprived of this part of the body.

In addition, shepherd dogs are owners of lush, fluffy tails on which grass, thorns and other debris easily cling, while the dog is in a field or other place where the flocks are pasturing. And to clean the animal from all this is very difficult. Therefore, the owners solved two potential problems at once, stripping the pet's tail. D. D. Wood reveals this topic in Illustrated Natural History.

In the future, many dog ​​related laws were abolished, but people continued to dog tailing out of habit, since many of the breeds in their eyes naturally looked exactly without tails.

Nowadays, in most European countries, such an operation is reasonably forbidden if there are no medical indications. The exceptions are service, guard, rescue dogs, as well as those that are used during deratization (extermination of rodents).

The law of 2006 on the protection of animals states that only a specialist has the right to conduct a caudotomy, and the allowable time for the operation is no more than 5 days old for a puppy.

At what age do dogs stop their tails

The tail is a section of the spine. Like the main sections - cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral - caudal consists of vertebrae (in different dogs from 15 to 23), ligaments connecting them, muscles, blood vessels, nerves and other anatomical units.

Basically, dogs use it as a counterweight and for communication. Tail damage in some cases, detrimental effect on the process of urination, the setting of the hind limbs, the tone of the adjacent muscles. But the tail is not a vital organ. Its professional removal, especially in animals at an early age, is not dangerous for a pet.

Veterinarians call the optimal time for the operation the first week of life. This is because tail bones, cartilage and one of the body’s largest arteries is caudal, not yet formed at this age, and it is easy to amputate them.

An operation at the right age is easy to carry out and, with proper further care, has no effect. The wound heals quickly. In the overwhelming majority of cases, after cutting off the tail, the pups are not stitched. The wound is treated with antiseptic and protected from contamination.

It is reasonable to do the cupping on the 3-4 day after birth, while immediately removing extra fingers from polydactyl puppies (most often it is the 5th finger on the hind limbs). It is necessary to take into account the breed, as there are different standards for docked tail.

Some owners decide to carry out a similar operation at a more mature age, up to six months. In such a situation, the relief of tails in dogs turns into a complicated operation - the formed vertebrae need to be competently disconnected and technically work with the tail artery to avoid serious bleeding.

Recovery from such an intervention is very painful. Plus, a dog used to the tail may experience psychological discomfort.

Without medical evidence, most veterinarians conscientiously refuse to perform such an operation.

Tail stop length

The length of the remaining tail depends on the breed of the animal. Some (boxers, rottweilers, Dobermans, etc.) are literally left with 1–2 vertebrae. Poodles, Kerry Blue Terriers and Similar Breeds stop half the tail. Many other breeds are left with a third of the natural length of the tail.

What breeds of dogs do tails stop

Currently, many owners do not understand why they are stopping their ears and tails to dogs. Meanwhile, some continue to amputate these parts of the body to their pets from their own taste convictions. The decision is always taken by the owner.

Exceptions are medical indications - injuries, neoplasms, other lesions that are not amenable to other treatment. The verdict is made by a specialist in veterinary medicine.

Docking tails in dogs for the exterior is carried out to different groups of pets. Here are some breeds:

• • Kurzhaar,
• • Drathaar,
• • German boxer
• • rottweiler,
• • Doberman,
• • Alabai,
• • spaniel,
• • Yorkshire Terrier,
• • schnauzers,
• • RFT, etc.

There are many adherents for the cupping of the tails, but the opinion about the uselessness of such a procedure is increasingly being asserted.

Tail docking in an adult dog

Stupid and cruel conduct docking the tail of an adult dog. No bona fide veterinarian will undertake such an operation without medical prescriptions. A formed tail section of the spine is difficult to remove - this is a serious operation, during which dangerous abundant bleeding can occur.

In addition, the animal is accustomed to use this part of the body and, having lost it, will be somewhat disoriented, scared and suppressed. Caudotomy in adulthood can result in psychological trauma. The stump of the tail heals long and painfully, especially putting a bandage on this part of the body is extremely uncomfortable.

To decide, of course, the owner, but it is worth considering whether to subject your pet to such trials or leave to flaunt with a tail.

Stopping is an ancient practice.

In history, this procedure is known for a long time. It was described in ancient Roman writers - tail trimming was carried out to shepherd dogs, as the peasants believed that this would help save the animal from rabies.

Docking the tails of hunting and fighting breeds in dogs was carried out for the purpose of their safety: so that they could not hurt him, so that he would not interfere with his movement in the hole in pursuit of prey.

Such a historical fact is also known: in the 18th century, the British introduced a tax on dogs of all breeds, except for service. The short tail of the animal was a sign that showed that the owner is exempt from this tax. For the sake of economy, the owners chopped tails to their pets.

Today, the laws of some European countries prohibit a puppy and an adult dog from docking off the tail for aesthetic purposes. This procedure can be done only by animals serving in law enforcement, rescue service, armed forces.

The age of the operation

When carrying out this procedure is very important puppy age. It is believed that the sooner this is done, the better. Veterinarians are advised to do circumcision when the pet's age does not exceed 10 days. The vertebrae of the limb during this time do not have time to ossify, so the painful sensation will be much lower than in adults. The operation is carried out without the use of anesthesia, the sutures are not imposed.

Tail docking in dogs is also performed when their age exceeds 10 days. In this case, the operation is performed under anesthesia (general or local). If the animal is older than a month, the operation is also performed under anesthesia, a tourniquet is applied to the base of this body segment.

Features of the procedure of cupping

There are several options for the operation on trimming the tail in dogs. 1 option when the operation is performed under anesthesia. Usually, ether narcosis and vagolysis are administered to the animal, which reduces the separation of saliva and normalizes the reaction of the heart. Hair is removed from the tail, cut with a scalpel or special scissors between the vertebrae. The wound is treated with an antibiotic, the place around it is antiseptic.

The second option - dragging a rubber band. The tail is clamped with a rubber band for a week, blood stops flowing to it and it falls off.

The age of the dog affects the sensation after docking the tail. It is believed that in adult animals the pain is stronger. A puppy is protected from pain by an undeveloped nervous system. The older the animal, the more difficult it endures the operation. Therefore, the owner should think about whether to carry out the procedure for an adult dog.

Impact of the operation on a pet

There is no scientific confirmation, but it is believed that this operation affects the further pain sensitivity of animals and the following parameters:

• Motor skills. Some researchers believe that circumcision weakens the pet's motor skills.
• Diuresis. A pet after a cupping may receive a pathology of this function, since the tail is a natural counterweight, depriving which the dog has impaired musculoskeletal functions.
• Communication with other representatives of the species. Scientists note that the relatives of the dogs with a cropped tail react differently. Its absence makes communication difficult, since the tail is one of the means of communication.
• Aggressiveness. Animals with docked tail are considered more aggressive.

Pros and cons of tail docking

In 1992, Europe banned the conduct of this procedure for all species, except for hunting. Almost all European states supported this convention that protects the rights of pets.

This is undoubtedly good - for a living being cannot be hurt. And painful sensations were noted, both in adults and in puppies:

• Each animal publishes a screech during the operation - and this means that there is pain.
• Animals whined for a few minutes after the procedure.
• Discomfort when moving is observed for some time.

Based on this, scientists have concluded that at any age the animal feels pain and discomfort. Accordingly, trimming the tail in puppies or adult dogs is a meaningless mockery of animals.

As for the benefits, it is only an aesthetic appearance and compliance with the standard. But, as already noted, modern standards allow both options.

Issue price

Those owners who nevertheless decided on the operation are interested in the question of how much the stopping costs. The price depends on several parameters: size, age of the animal, and the prestige of the veterinary clinic.

On average, the cost of cupping the tail in dogs is about $ 10. Some clinics offer this service at home.

Choosing a clinic, you should not only be guided by how much a dog's tail docking procedure costs here. We need to focus on the prestige of the clinic, the presence of good reviews. You can find cheaper, but where is the guarantee that everything will be done with high quality and good?

Events before surgery

This procedure is simple, takes no more than half an hour. Before stopping it is necessary:

• Do not feed the pet for 12 hours before the procedure.
• Check the temperature of the animal every hour. It should not exceed the norm - 39.5 degrees.
• Check the health of the animal, the presence of parasites.
• Determine the cut-off location - usually it depends on the requirements of the breed standard.
• Shave the place of amputation, sanitize it.

Standard length of tails of different breeds

Consider the requirements for the length of tails of representatives of different breeds.

In boxers, Dobermans and toy terriers, the tail should be no longer than 2-3 vertebrae, only to cover the anus. The rottweiler standard - 1-2 vertebra. Spaniels leave ½ or 2/5 of the tail length, poodles - ½ and 2/3, Airedale Terrier - third. Such a breed as a kurtshaar should have no more than ½ - 3/5 length after amputation.

Whether or not to stop the animal — this decision must be made by the owner himself. In the CIS countries there is no strict ban on this operation. Before making a decision, consider whether you want to hurt your pet and whether there are objective reasons for this.

Dog's age suitable for tail arrest

The ideal time when it is necessary to carry out surgical intervention, veterinarians consider 3 - 10 days from the birth of a puppy into the world. It was during this period that the vertebrae of the tail did not stiffen, and their sensitivity to pain was an order of magnitude lower than that of adults. Often weekly puppies are transferred to the operation without the use of drugs and the establishment of sutures in the operated area.

It is important during the recovery period after the surgical process not to allow the puppy's mother to open the wound.

She, experiencing a strong maternal instinct, begins to lick the wound, which would entail a long-term healing of the bleeding site. In such cases, the puppy is isolated in another room and brought to the mother only for feeding. As you know, breast milk has a positive effect on the recovery process of a dog after surgery.

If the puppy is 10 days old, then the operation is performed under local or general anesthesia. The four-legged pet is laid down on the operating surface with a belly, the dog's paws and jaw are firmly fixed.

If the pet has reached the age of 1 month, then a tourniquet is applied to the open surface of the wound. Tail docking the dog must be done in veterinary clinics, at home this is not recommended.

Methods for carrying out tail docking in dogs

When the procedure is scheduled using general anesthesia, drugs are injected into the animal's body, which will ensure that the dog falls asleep quickly. For short-legged breeds, an additional drug is used, which reduces salivation and normalizes the heart rhythm under the action of hypnotic substances. Hair is completely removed from the animal's tail. This allows the doctor to accurately make an incision between the bone vertebrae. After the end of the surgical process, the wound is treated with an antibiotic, and the skin around it with antiseptic agents. After which a sterile dressing should be applied to the damaged area.

One of the more humane ways to deprive a pet of a tail is to tighten an extra stretch of elastic. Due to the peculiarities of the body of a small puppy to the area that is overtightened, blood does not flow. In this regard, after a certain amount of time has elapsed, the tail will disappear on its own. It would seem that an undeveloped nervous system will save the dog from pain, but the puppy still experiences unpleasant sensations.

The pet owner should decide for himself which method of cupping is best suited to protect his dog as much as possible from the painful shock.

How tail docking will affect a dog

It has long been proven by experts that cropped animals face a number of problems:

• animal's motor skills are weakened
• manifest pathology of urination
• high probability of intervertebral hernia formation
• increased aggressiveness

In view of the above factors, it is worth considering whether it is necessary to expose a four-legged friend to such anguish or does he look great with a protruding tail? Outside the window of the 21st century and the need to engage in battle with wild animals is no longer necessary, so once again really think about the need for such an unpleasant procedure.