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Statistics suggest increase in dogs with cropped ears
61 per cent of vets believe they are seeing more dogs with cropped ears than ever before
Survey shows 61 per cent of vets see more of the illegal practice 

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has released shocking new statistics showing that more dogs with cropped ears are arriving in veterinary practices than ever before, suggesting a worrying trend of more dogs with illegally cropped ears in the UK.

The BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that 58 per cent of small animal vets have seen more dogs with cropped ears in their practices in the last year, with 61 per cent of these vets believing that they are seeing more cropped dogs than ever before. The breed that was most commonly seen with cropped ears was the Doberman, followed by American bulldogs and cane corsos.

Whilst it is illegal to crop dogs' ears in the UK, there is a loophole in the law allowing the importation of dogs with cropped ears from other countries where it is legal, and it is not classified as a specific offence to send dogs abroad to have the procedure. 

In the Queen's Speech last month, measures were announced to close these loopholes, and after a petition calling for action on this issue, which gained over 100,000 signatures, the UK Government pledged to ban the import of cropped dogs. Spearheaded by the BVA and The FOAL Group, under the banners of #CutTheCrop and #FlopNotCrop, the petition will remain open for signatures until August 2021.

The Government debated the petition yesterday (7 June), and confirmed its commitment to the issue, promising to introduce secondary legislation to prevent the import of dogs with cropped ears.

BVA President James Russell said, “We are deeply concerned that vets have been seeing more dogs with cropped ears in their practices. Ear cropping is illegal in the UK so we have to question how it’s possible that 6 in 10 vets have seen cropped dogs in the past year. These shocking figures clearly show that urgent action is needed to curb this disturbing rise.”

“We were delighted by the commitment made by Government last month to prohibit imports of dogs with cropped ears as well as rooting out illegal practice of this completely unnecessary and intensely painful mutilation in the UK. We are now urging them to bring these measures into play at the earliest possible opportunity.”

 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.