Overview of discretionary invasive procedures on animals

Such procedures have been grouped together under the technical term 'mutilatory' by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in a report describing the reasons for their being conducted and their welfare consequences,[1] and by others.

[2][3] The term mutilatory generally connotes some form of disfigurement or even maiming.

There are multiple definitions and interpretations that carry varying degrees of emotional intensity.

"[7] The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons noted that the term mutilation is often an emotive one, having implications in common usage of maiming and disfigurement.

"[1] The following table contains procedures performed on domesticated animals that may or may not have a purported therapeutic purpose.