Nationally more than 1,100 dogs are reported to have actually gone through a treatment of having their ears cropped in the last 3 years, brand-new figures from the RSPCA program.
The animal well-being charity is launching the figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign – to raise awareness about how to stop cruelty to animals for good – and to highlight the treatment which they state, in a lot of cases, is performed unlawfully in the UK entirely for the objective of making the dog look ‘difficult’.
The research study discovered that in Dorset, the variety of reported cases is 14.
The RSPCA state these figures are most likely to be an underrepresentation of the real variety of dogs who are having their ears cropped as not all cases are reported to them, as some individuals might not understand that this isn’t a dog’s natural ear shape or that it is an unlawful treatment in this nation.
Dr Samantha Gaines, dog well-being professional at the RSPCA, said: “Ear cropping is an agonizing and unneeded practice in which a dog’s ears are eliminated or surgically transformed and unfortunately lots of owners who do this do it due to the fact that they believe the appearance is attractive or it makes their animal appearance difficult.
“But it can be detrimental, in the short and long term, to their health, behaviour and welfare – they do not benefit from having it done, and the way it is illegally carried out in the UK – by people who are not vet professionals – is highly likely to lead them to suffer.”
Despite it being unlawful in the UK, there are social networks accounts which promote the practice.
Samantha included: “We don’t want this cruel procedure – which is essentially dogs being mutilated for money – to be normalised. We are concerned that it is a growing fashion trend and it needs to be stopped.”
Ian Muttitt, primary inspector in the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit – which examines ear cropping – said the group have actually seen ‘dreadful’ do it yourself ear cropping sets at the houses of individuals who perform the harsh practice. He said: “The concept of an individual cutting off a dog’s ears with a set of scissors and no discomfort relief or anaesthetic is stomach-churning – however that is precisely what they do. And it is much more sickening to understand that they are just doing this due to the fact that they believe it will make the dog appearance ‘tough’ or they can offer the dog for more money.
“We have seen dogs who have suffered because of the aftereffects of this cruel procedure. They are at a high risk of infection and discomfort – what’s trendy or fashionable about that? Absolutely nothing.”
“It’s done purely for cosmetic purposes and sadly can lead to puppies being sold for much more money. We’d urge the public and anyone looking to buy a puppy to remember that this is an illegal procedure which has hugely negative impacts for the dogs themselves.”
