Vets respond to designer dog breeding investigation
Cane corsos were among the breeds with cropped ears most commonly seen by vets in the past year.
The BVA has responded to a BBC Wales report that revealed the scale of illegal ‘backyard’ dog breeding in the country, adding that it hopes the investigation ‘raises widespread awareness about unethical and illegal dog breeding practices.’
The report, titled the Hidden Word of Designer Dog Breeding, highlighted how many irresponsible breeders are using legal loopholes to meet the growing trend for dogs with cropped ears and other designer looks. During the programme, past BVA president Daniella Dos Santos spoke about vets' concern about the trend in ear cropping and how many breeders were using animals as “money-making machines”.
Daniella also stressed that the bigger issue behind the trend for dogs being harmed is that people wanted them to look a certain way – a demand fuelled by social media and celebrity influencers. She highlighted the need for greater capacity and finances for more effective enforcement.
According to a BVA survey carried out earlier this year, around 58 per cent of small animal vets have been presented with dogs with cropped ears in the past 12 months. The breed most commonly seen by vets with cropped ears was the Doberman, followed by American bulldogs and cane corsos.
Responding to the investigation, BVA President Justine Shotton said: “This investigation lifts the lid on the scale of irresponsible dog breeding in Wales and across the UK to meet a social media-fuelled demand for ‘designer’ dogs. It also spotlights the ease with which unscrupulous breeders are able to use loopholes in the law as a smokescreen for carrying out ear cropping, a painful and cruel surgical procedure that has no medical or welfare benefits for the dogs.
“Vets see first-hand the tragic consequences resulting from poorly-bred puppies, who are often taken away from their mothers at a very young age. They often suffer from disease, health problems and poor socialisation, leading to heartache and financial costs for the new owners.”
The BVA has been raising concerns about the sharp rise in the number of dogs with cropped ears through its #CutTheCrop campaign and petition with the FOAL Group. Shortly after the launch of the petition earlier this year, the Government announced that people will be banned from bringing dogs with cropped ears into the country.
Dr Shotton added: “The strength and depth of support for our campaign signalled loud and clear that we need to do whatever it takes to prohibit imports, but there is also work to do to root out illegal practice in the UK. We hope that this investigation raises widespread awareness about unethical and illegal dog breeding practices and highlights the importance of always buying a puppy responsibly, picking health over looks.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
