It also restricts DIY ear-cropping kits.

New legislation has come into force in Ireland which tightens existing laws on the ownership of dogs that have had their ears cropped.

The law, which came into force on 1 September 2023, prohibits the ownership, or control of, a dog that has had all, or part, of its ears removed after this date, unless the person holds the necessary documentation.

The required documentation, depending on circumstances, may be a veterinary certificate, import licence or a record from an animal welfare charity.

It is also illegal to import a dog with cropped ears into Ireland, unless issued with an import licence, and sale or supply of these dogs is prohibited unless by a listed animal welfare charity.

Owners or occupiers of land or premises that holds shows, competitions, sporting or cultural events will also be banned from having ear-cropped dogs present.

The new regulations strengthen the pre-existing rules from the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act that banned the procedure of ear-cropping, with the exception of ear tissue removal as part of veterinary treatment.

The rules will restrict the possession, sale and supply of so-called ‘DIY dog ear cropping kits’ to veterinary practitioners or their suppliers, in a move to prevent further dogs from having their ears cropped.

Those convicted of violating these rules may receive fines of up to €250,000, or prison sentences of up to five years.

The legislation has already received support from the British Small Animal Veterinary Association as well as the Federation of Vets in Europe and Veterinary Ireland.

Charlie McConalogue, the minister for agriculture, food and the marine for the Irish government, said: “Cropping of dogs’ ears is an unnecessary, cruel practice that has no place in Ireland. This procedure causes severe pain and lifelong problems for dogs. Cropping of dogs’ ears has been illegal in Ireland since 2013.

“These new regulations will extend existing prohibitions on ear cropping, to protect dogs across Ireland from this unjustifiable and needless mutilation.”

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