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RSPCA reveals 621 per cent rise in reports of ear cropping
Anatolian shepherd Ezra (pictured) arrived at the RSPCA's Danaher Animal Home last month.

Charity searches for home for two dogs with 'mutilated' ears.

The RSPCA has raised concerns about a surge in reports about the illegal practice of dog ear cropping in the last year.

New figures, released by the charity this week, show a 621 per cent increase in the number of reports of ear cropping and cropped ears made to its emergency hotline in the last six years. From 2015 to 2020, the RSPCA received a total of 279 reports of the practice.

Under Section Five of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, ear cropping is an illegal practice in England and Wales. However, it is still legal in other parts of the world, and the RSPCA is concerned that increasing numbers of dogs are being sent abroad for the cropping procedure, or being imported from overseas.

RSPCA dog welfare specialist Dr Samantha Gaines said: “Ear cropping is a barbaric practice that is illegal in England and Wales. But, worryingly, we are seeing an upturn in the number of reports being made to our cruelty line about dogs with cropped ears and we’re extremely concerned that this trend is becoming increasingly normalised, glamorised and popular.

“We fear that images being shared on social media and used within advertising as well as high-profile sports stars and celebrities buying dogs with cropped ears is making the look more popular and may be influencing others to do the same.”

The charity is currently looking for forever homes for two Anatolian shepherd dogs with cropped ears named Ezra and Rambo. The affectionate pair arrived at the RSPCA’s Danaher Animal Home last month.

Anyone concerned about a suspected case of ear cropping should report this to the RSPCA's emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999.

Images (c) RSPCA.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.