Beginning on New Year's Day, some veterinary services will be prohibited in the province.
For instance, ear-cropping and tail-docking procedures for dogs, cats, cattle or horses — or anything else that endangers the well-being of an animal — will be refused.
The Quebec Order of Veterinarians adopted the new rules earlier this year — in keeping, it says, with rules in place in other countries and provinces.
Dr. Enid Stiles with the Sherwood Park animal shelter in Beaconsfield tells CTV news the procedures usually happen for dogs that are just a few days old.
"They are done with no anesthetic. Just essentially an amputation," said Dr. Stiles.
Ear-cropping is typically done about the time a dog is weaned.
Breeders are opposed to the rules, pointing out that breed definitions for many show dogs still require the procedures on ears and tails.
The Order says Quebec vets who perform the procedures — defined as cosmetic procedures — could face a fine of anywhere from $1,500 to $40,000.