Anger at sale of ‘barbaric’ kits to crop dogs’ ears
DIY KITS to crop pets’ ears are fuelling a growing fashion for aggressive-looking dogs despite the barbaric practice being outlawed.
The rudimentary kits are easily available to buy online from retailers in China and other countries such as the US where it is not illegal.
Experts and animal welfare charities estimate thousands of dogs, with breeds including Dobermans, boxers and pit bulls, have their ears mutilated for cosmetic reasons every year in a growing trend for “tough” dogs.
The RSPCA has seen a 621 per cent rise in the number of reports of ear cropping in six years.
A Sunday Express investigation found numerous sellers of the kits on the website of Chinabased retailer Aliexpress.com from as little as £14.54 a set, with UK shipping just £3.79.The site acts as a market place for traders and said it would now investigate the sale of the kits on its site.
A spokesman said: “Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention.as an animal lover I appreciate your concern and I will file a feedback to have an investigation.”
One listing offered a set of four clamps with sharp serrated edges which the unnamed seller said could be used on breeds including schnauzers, du gaos, Castro Laboreiros (Portuguese cattle dog), Staffordshire bull terriers, Dobermans and boxers. Another was selling clamps described as best suited for use on pit bull terriers.
The description of the product reads: “This dog ear-cropping tool kit is perfect for any occasion, whether you are at home or in the office, it will be
a great gift for your loved ones.” The site also offers a wide range of veterinary surgical equipment, including sets of “pet sterilisation pliers”.
Cropping is illegal in England and Wales, under Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and carries a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. But RSPCA data presented to Parliament revealed conviction rates for ear cropping remains pitifully low.
In the past three years there have only been 21 convictions out of more than 1,000 complaints to the charity’s call centres. The Ministry of Justice said it does not keep separate figures for ear-cropping offences.
Training expert and former police dog handler Jeff Turner said: “Looking at some of those devices, it’s like going back to medieval times.
“They are barbaric. They’re used by the wrong people for the wrong reasons.any procedure on a dog should only ever be carried out for medical reasons and by a qualified vet.”
Mr Turner, who worked for the Met Police for
25 years and has worked with local authorities and animal welfare organisations as an expert witness, has even heard of dogs being mutilated with a Stanley knife.
He said: “The only reason for carrying out surgery to a dog’s ears is if it is necessary because they have been damaged, not for cosmetic reasons to make them look more aggressive.”
He added: “I have seen some awful cases with dogs with ears so small there is nothing left of them. It’s an incredibly painful procedure for a dog, especially if carried out as a DIY procedure.
“It is very difficult to police ear cropping because owners say the dog was like that when they got it.”
A British Veterinary Association spokesman said: “While the Government has previously promised action to close the legal loophole that allows cropped dogs being brought into the country from abroad, the availability of DIY ear cropping and ear straightening kits online is a concern and remains hard to tackle.”
Ear-straightening kits, which are legal, were voluntarily removed from ebay and Etsy UK following concerns raised by the BVA.
A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “Dogs need their ears. Cutting a dog’s ears can also harm their ability to communicate, impacting the dog’s behaviour.”
A House of Commons Committee Report on Pet Welfare and Abuse following an inquiry last month has called on the Government to close this loophole as a matter of urgency.
‘It’s like going back to medieval times. They’re used by the wrong people’