9 in 10 people in the East want a ban on importing dogs with cropped ears
The RSPCA says it's had around 50 reports of the practice in counties including Norfolk and Suffolk since 2020
New polling shows 9 in 10 people in the East of England think imports of dogs who've had their ears cropped should be banned.
The RSPCA says it's had around 50 reports of the practice in counties including Norfolk and Suffolk since 2020.
The practice sees animals have their ears partially amputated, with the aim often to make them look tougher.
The practice is already illegal in the UK - but the animal welfare group wants tougher action to stop animals with cropped ears being sold to UK buyers.
Last year, the RSPCA's emergency line received more than one report every single day about ear cropped dogs - with 391 incidents reported.
From 2020 to 2022, 1,066 reports have been logged by the charity.
So far in 2023, the RSPCA has received 124 reports about ear cropping.
Dr Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals team, said: “Ear cropping is a painful and unnecessary practice in which a dogs’ ears are removed or surgically altered.
"It does not benefit the dog in any way and can actually be detrimental to their health, behaviour and welfare, but sadly many owners think the look is glamorous or makes their pet look tough.
“While we do have concerns that ear cropping is being carried out illegally, and underground, in this country, some dogs with cropped ears are being sent abroad to have the procedure done or are being imported deliberately from countries with less stringent animal welfare laws and regulations than here.
“Dogs should never be mutilated for cosmetic purposes and, while this practice has been illegal in this country for a long, long time, we’d like to see more regulation to ensure that it’s no longer possible to get a cropped dog in England and Wales, unless rescuing through a reputable organisation.
“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.
“We know unscrupulous traders seek to circumvent the law and crop dogs' ears to try and make a quick buck, which is frustratingly fuelled by unhelpful social media trends."