Taplow woman fined and banned from owning dogs after illegal ear-cropping

A woman from Taplow has been fined and banned from owning dogs for 10 years after allowing her dog's ears to be subjected to an illegal, painful and unnecessary surgical procedure.

The RSPCA defines ear cropping (or docking) as ‘an entirely unnecessary surgical procedure in which a dog's ears are removed or altered.’

It has no benefits for the dog and can cause permanent damage.

Ear cropping is illegal in the UK.

Those who support the practice claim ear cropping can prevent ear infections and avoid sustaining injuries from other animals or dogs. However, this is ‘completely untrue.’

The procedure is usually carried out for purely aesthetic or cosmetic reasons often because the owner wants to achieve a particular look.

Chantelle Baptiste, 42, of Wyeth Close, Taplow, pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

The offence happened between January 20 and February 6 last year.

Police were joined by RSPCA inspectors when they carried out a warrant at Baptiste’s address after concerns were raised about the welfare of a dog named Haze.

Haze was found with ears that had been cropped, and images from mobile phones showed that Haze had his ears cropped while in Baptiste’s care.

RSPCA inspector Prisca Giddens, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: 

“Ear cropping is a painful and illegal procedure that carries no benefits at all to the dogs.

“We hope this case sends a strong message to anyone involved with ear cropping that this will not be tolerated.”

In mitigation, Baptiste took full responsibility and was remorseful.

Alongside the 10-year disqualification from keeping dogs, which cannot be appealed for five years, she was also sentenced to 200 hours unpaid work by Reading Magistrates’ Court.

Baptiste must also pay £200 to be paid at a rate of £20 per month.

More about ear-cropping

Some owners believe cropped ears make the dog look tougher or more intimidating, but the process can have the ‘completely opposite effect on their temperament’ and can make them anxious and nervous around people and other animals.

Ear cropping is generally done on puppies between six and 12 weeks.

It is increasingly popular in certain breeds and types of dogs – including cane corsos and American bullies, where part or all of the entire ear flap is commonly removed.

This can be extremely traumatic for the puppy and as with any surgery, there are risks.

This is especially true if carried out as a DIY procedure without prescribed anaesthetic or pain relief.

The wounds can take a long time to heal, need a lot of aftercare (such as changing dressings and cleaning) and can become infected easily.