The West Midlands has been labelled as a hotspot for the cruel and barbaric procedure of cropping dogs' ears.

WARNING: Readers may find these images upsetting.

The RSPCA revealed that there have been 93 incidents of ear cropping in the area, which is the highest across the UK.

Within Worcestershire, there have been 22 cases of ear cropping between 2020 and 2023.

 

The charity said the reason behind ear cropping is because owners believe it makes their dogs look glamorous, but the procedure can have detrimental effects on the animal's health. 

Dr Samantha Gaines, a dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “Ear cropping is a painful and unnecessary practice in which a dog’s ears are removed or surgically altered, and sadly many owners who do this do it because they think the look is glamorous or it makes their pet look tough.

Worcester News: A puppies ear that has been cropped.A puppies ear that has been cropped. (Image: RSPCA)

“But it can be detrimental, in the short and long term, to their health, behaviour and welfare."

The RSCPA added the figures are likely to be an underrepresentation of the actual number of dogs who are having their ears cropped, as not all cases are reported to the charity. 

Ear cropping is an illegal practice in the UK.

Samantha added: “We don’t want this cruel procedure - which is essentially dogs being mutilated for money - to be normalised.

Worcester News: The RSPCA said it is really concerned.The RSPCA said it is really concerned. (Image: RSPCA)

"We are concerned that it is a growing fashion trend, and it needs to be stopped.”

Ian Muttitt, chief inspector in the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit - which investigates ear cropping - said the team have seen “horrific” DIY ear cropping kits at homes of people who carry out the cruel practice.

He said: “The idea of a person cutting off a dog’s ears with a pair of scissors and no pain relief or anaesthetic is stomach-churning - but that is exactly what they do.

"And it is even more sickening to know that they are only doing this because they think it will make the dog look ‘tough’ or they can sell the dog for more money."

The RSPCA have now issued a warning over the porceedure and started a Cancel Out Cruelty campaign - to raise awareness about how to stop cruelty to animals for good.