The decision to desex a dog has been largely encouraged, particularly in recent years. The WA government passed a new Dog Amendment (Stop Puppy Farming) Act in 2021, making it illegal to have ‘entire’ dogs past the age of 2 years.

But what happens when owners are split, with different ideas about the ethics of doing it?

Gregory McFerran reports on a family rift in his own home, as a debate rages over whether the dog should get the snip.