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RSPCA reveals 621 per cent rise in reports of ear cropping
Anatolian shepherd Ezra (pictured) arrived at the RSPCA's Danaher Animal Home last month.

Charity searches for home for two dogs with 'mutilated' ears.

The RSPCA has raised concerns about a surge in reports about the illegal practice of dog ear cropping in the last year.

New figures, released by the charity this week, show a 621 per cent increase in the number of reports of ear cropping and cropped ears made to its emergency hotline in the last six years. From 2015 to 2020, the RSPCA received a total of 279 reports of the practice.

Under Section Five of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, ear cropping is an illegal practice in England and Wales. However, it is still legal in other parts of the world, and the RSPCA is concerned that increasing numbers of dogs are being sent abroad for the cropping procedure, or being imported from overseas.

RSPCA dog welfare specialist Dr Samantha Gaines said: “Ear cropping is a barbaric practice that is illegal in England and Wales. But, worryingly, we are seeing an upturn in the number of reports being made to our cruelty line about dogs with cropped ears and we’re extremely concerned that this trend is becoming increasingly normalised, glamorised and popular.

“We fear that images being shared on social media and used within advertising as well as high-profile sports stars and celebrities buying dogs with cropped ears is making the look more popular and may be influencing others to do the same.”

The charity is currently looking for forever homes for two Anatolian shepherd dogs with cropped ears named Ezra and Rambo. The affectionate pair arrived at the RSPCA’s Danaher Animal Home last month.

Anyone concerned about a suspected case of ear cropping should report this to the RSPCA's emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999.

Images (c) RSPCA.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.