87 per cent of people support a ban.

The RSPCA is urging the Government to ban the importation of dogs with cropped ears, and new research undertaken by the charity has revealed that 87 per cent of those surveyed would support the move.

With limited progress on the Kept Animals Bill since November 2021, The RSPCA and Welsh charity, Hope Rescue have launched the Mutilated for Money campaign to highlight the laws on ear cropping, and welfare issues the procedure can cause dogs. 

As part of the campaign, the charities are encouraging people to write to their local MP, asking for urgent action on the issue.

Ear cropping is illegal in the UK, but it is not illegal to import a dog with cropped ears. This makes it difficult to prove illegal cropping in this country, and also enables owners to source dogs with cropped ears from abroad.

In 2022, the RSPCA’s helpline received 391 reports of dogs with cropped ears, and it has received 124 reports so far in 2023. 

Dr Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals team, said: “Sadly, our rescuers continue to frequently see dogs who are suffering as a result of ear cropping - so regulations in the UK which will ban the importation of dogs with cropped ears will be so important."

A stray dog called Henry, had his ears cropped before arriving at Hope Rescue in May 2022. A member of the public had found him unable to stand and emaciated. The charity’s senior head of operations, Vanessa Waddon, said: “We’re deeply concerned about the increasing number of ear-cropped dogs coming into our care. In the last 12 months alone, we have taken in 12 ear-cropped dogs. 

“Ear-cropping is a totally unnecessary and traumatic procedure, and its only purpose is to satisfy demand for a certain look. Poor Henry didn’t deserve to have his ears mutilated. 

“We are urging the public to not buy into this cruelty and take action if they suspect illegal ear-cropping. We’re also urging the UK Government to close the loophole that allows importation of ear-cropped dogs and bring back the Kept Animals Bill before time runs out.”

Image (C) RSPCA