The Humane Society of the United States opposes tail myotomy, tail neurectomy and tongue myotomy in equines, ear-cropping of dogs, and declawing of cats when done solely for the convenience of the owner and without benefit to the animal. Further, we oppose any other unnecessary surgical procedure that is painful, distressful, or restrictive of the function of the body part involved when done for cosmetic purposes or to disguise natural imperfections of any animal.