Debarking (Bark Softening) - Myths and Facts. Animal rights groups attack life-saving debarking procedure. What is debarking? Does debarking remove the dog's ability to bark? Is the surgery always successful?

A graph showing that pets multiply faster than pet owners. Links for low cost spay/neuter referrals, graphics, and advocacy suggestions.

Australia's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' reasons to ban cosmetic tail docking. Links.

This is a cosmetic surgery, and is not necessary to do if you simply have a boxer as a pet. It is personal preference. If cropping is done by a knowledgeable vet, the healing process is usually swift. The whole procedure is usually less stressful when you have your vet, or your breeder to help you with the entire process.

Debarking a dog requires a veterinarian to enter the dog's trachea and remove its vocal cords. There is a risk of scarring of the tracheal opening following the surgery, causing the dog difficulty in breathing. After the surgery, the dog sounds hoarse whenever it tries to bark, and it can not generate loud barks.

UK-based organization's campaign to protect the future welfare of all traditionally docked breeds. News, reasons for tail docking, photographs, survey, and links.

A protest to tail docking of dogs as unnecessary and unacceptable. Facts and pictures.

Pros and cons, surgery costs, and questions to ask the veterinarian.

Legislation, press releases, resource kit for opposing the legislation and links.

Working to abolish the practice of docking dogs' tails.