A report conducted in the United Kingdom was recently published in which it is reflected that 63.6% registered cut-eared dog in the country imported from countries such as Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Spain, Poland and Irelandand point out among the main breeds represented: American Bulldog, Doberman, Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso), Bulldog and Mastiff.

In the Spanishear cropping for aesthetic reasons banned since February 1, 2018, the date of entry into force of the European Convention on the Protection of Companion Animals, signed in Strasbourg and which establishes, inter alia, the basic principles of animal welfare. The study shows that three cases identified as being imported from Spain were born at least 2 years before February 2018that date became illegal, “suggesting that these cases were likely legally dismissed.”

However, although in Great Britain and in Spain this procedure is prohibited, “experts argue that dogs were imported from other countries where this procedure was legalized”, and that “it is also dogs can be taken overseas for training”.

This study admits to underestimating “the apparent degree of ear cropping, because the cases identified belonged to the sentinel network of the veterinary clinic and, as such, may not be representative of the general population of great Britain”, where 132 dogs with cropped ears were identified in the last five years, representing a 236% increase.

The Council of Europe prohibits this practice under its Animal Protection Convention (signed and ratified by 24 countries), while the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales and Northern Ireland and Scotland as equivalents), prohibits this practice unless medically indicated.

In addition to laws protecting animal health to eradicate ear cropping for aesthetic purposes, already in 2022 companies eBay and Amazon working with UK vets to remove product advertised trim the puppy’s tail and pull out the kitten’s nails.

CAUSES OF INCREASED EAR CUTTING IN SPAIN

That interfere with the veterinary profession This could explain the emergence of these cases, at least in Spain, where, for example, in 2017, the Lugo Veterinary Association reported 5 cases of professional tampering, i.e. persons without veterinary qualifications or knowledge performing ear cropping, and in non- professional facility.suitable for this type of procedure.

In the same way, the Civil Guard of Zaragoza perform surgery in 2020 directed to detection of dogs that have undergone tail and ear amputations for aesthetic purposes and by unqualified persons.

Similarly, from the College of Veterinarians of Badajoz, in 2018 they emerged as personal charges against a man who was caught red-handed in the operating room of a vet’s office when he began cutting off the ears and tail of an American bully. dog.

WHAT CONSISTS OF EAR TRIM FOR AESTHETIC PURPOSES?

Ear cropping is a surgical procedure in which the loose part of the dog’s ear is clipped, and is usually done without anesthesia or any means of pain relief. Often the ear piece is affixed to a hard surface to give it the desired shape in an upright position while it heals.

This practice is performed solely for aesthetic reasons for the animal, because no benefit for the dog. in fact, seriously jeopardize your well-being because the procedure is painful and takes weeks to heal, causing infection or acute pain.

On the other hand, cut the top of the ear one of improve hearing in dogs, and can affect the communication abilities of animals, as they use it in facial expressions and ear movements. So this mutilation is done only for the satisfaction of the dog owner.