Fact sheets › Animal cruelty
Animal cruelty
Ear cropping
Ear cropping is the painful removal of part of a dog's ears, usually to make the dog look more aggressive. It serves no health benefit, causes suffering, and is illegal in England and Wales.
About ear cropping
The floppy part of a dog's ears is cut off and the remainder often taped or splinted to make the ears stand erect. It is a purely cosmetic mutilation, sometimes done at home without anaesthetic.
It is seen most often in certain breeds and types (such as some bull breeds). Some cropped dogs are brought into the country from abroad, or sold and promoted on social media, which helps drive demand.
Signs to look for
- A dog whose ears have been cut to stand upright, sometimes taped, posted or splinted
- Fresh wounds, scarring or swelling around the ears
- Cropping "kits", tape or splints, or adverts offering the procedure or selling cropped dogs
- Social media posts glamorising cropped dogs
The law
Ear cropping is a prohibited mutilation under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 — it is an offence to carry it out, or to take a dog abroad to have it done.
Causing unnecessary suffering is also an offence. There is growing enforcement against importing and selling cropped dogs.
How to report ear cropping
If you've witnessed ear cropping, please report it to us. Give as much detail as you can safely gather — what you saw, exactly where and when, descriptions of any people, animals or vehicles involved, and any photos or video. Do not put yourself at risk or confront anyone.
If an animal is in immediate danger, or a crime is in progress, call 999.