The RSPCA has identified “hot spots” for ear cutting in the West Midlands, London and West Yorkshire.
More than 1,000 dogs are believed to have undergone the illegal ear cropping procedure in the past three years, according to new figures from the RSPCA.
The practice involves removing the skin from the tops of dogs’ ears to reshape them and make them straighter.
This “painful and unnecessary” procedure is illegal in the UK under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2006.
The West Midlands, London and West Yorkshire have recorded the highest number of cases in England and Wales.
The West Midlands has recorded 93 incidents since 2020, while Greater London and West Yorkshire have each recorded 75 cases.
The RSPCA has condemned the practice as a “growing fashion trend”.
This is followed by Greater Manchester with 64 cases and South Yorkshire with 53. The total number of cases reported to the RSPCA in England and Wales during this period was 1,191.
This practice has been called “cruel” and “mutilation” by social organizations and is often carried out in people’s homes without anesthesia.
It is increasingly popular among certain breeds and types of dogs, including Cane Corsos and American Bullies, where part or all of the ear flap is usually removed.
Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “Ear cropping is a painful and unnecessary practice in which a dog’s ears are surgically removed or altered and unfortunately many owners who do it because they think the look is glamorous or makes their pet look tough.
‘Fashion trend’
“But it can be detrimental, in the short and long term, to their health, behavior and well-being – they do not benefit from this practice, and the way it is carried out illegally in the UK – by people who are not veterinary professionals – is very likely to cause them suffering.”
The charity said there were social media accounts promoting the practice. Dr. Gaines added: “We are concerned that this is a growing fashion trend and needs to be stopped.”
Ian Muttitt, chief inspector of the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “This is done purely for cosmetic purposes and can unfortunately lead to puppies being sold for much more money.
“We urge the public and anyone wishing to purchase a puppy to remember that this is an illegal procedure that has extremely negative impacts on the dogs themselves.”