Dogs with cropped ears in the UK: A population‐based study using electronic health records

Abstract

Background: Ear cropping for cosmetic purposes was made illegal in the UK in 2006. Despite this, a lack of import regulations and celebrity and media influences mean cropped dogs are increasingly reported. Methods: The demographics, temporal trends and patient-level associated factors for dogs with cropped ears were evaluated in a large sentinel population of dogs visiting UK veterinary practices. Results: A total of 132 dogs with cropped ears were identified, with rates peaking in 2021. In 84 cases (63.6%), there was evidence of importation, most commonly from countries where cropping is also illegal, including Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Spain, Poland and Ireland. American Bulldogs, Dobermanns, Italian Mastiffs (Cane Corso), Bulldogs and Mastiffs were all significantly overrepresented. Affected dogs were more likely to be unneutered (odds ratio 11.04, 95% confidence interval 5. 84-20.90). Limitations:The study likely underestimates true levels of ear cropping. Identified cases are from a sentinel network of veterinary practices, and as such may not be representative of the wider UK population. Conclusion: These data suggest a need to educate owners and veterinary surgeons about the welfare and legal implications of ear cropping. The data presented can inform future targeted policies in veterinary practices and at a governmental level.

Ear cropping of dogs: an illegal procedure presenting an increasing welfare problem in the UK

“…Indeed, these breeds were overrepresented when compared to the uncropped control population. 13 This finding accords with reports from organisations like the RSPCA and the expectations of some breed standards (eg, the American Kennel Club standard for the Doberman pinscher). 14 Moreover, it provides strong evidence to refute arguments for ear cropping to prevent ear infections, 2 as the breed types identified in Norris and colleagues' study are not generally predisposed to such infections.…”

“…They then rose sharply, peaking in 2021 at over 10 cases per 100,000 canine consultations recorded in the SAVSNET database. 13 This trend is not dissimilar to that reported in the RSPCA data. 7 However, as with the RSPCA data, these figures are also likely to be an underestimate of the number of dogs with cropped ears in the population.…”

“…Indeed, some narratives within the electronic health records Norris and colleagues examined documented owners who reported wanting a dog that looked a certain way. 13 Over 60 per cent of the cases identified in Norris and colleagues' study showed evidence of importation, with the most commonly recorded countries of origin including Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Spain, Poland and Ireland. 13 Given that ear cropping is illegal in several of these countries, 16 it is possible that some dogs were illegally cropped before entering the UK, despite being legally imported.…”

“…When exploring the factors associated with dogs having cropped ears, it was found that affected dogs were significantly less likely to be neutered even after allowing for age. 13 This finding indicates a clear potential for targeted health messaging around neutering. However, to ensure the success of such interventions, there is a need to understand owner perceptions of neutering within this population and any potential barriers they may face.…”

“…will not be completed within the required time frame. 12 Given the current government activity and the growing public interest regarding this illegal and painful procedure, Norris and colleagues' paper, 13 summarised on p 210 of this issue of Vet Record, could not be timelier. In this study, Norris and colleagues used data obtained from the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) -which collates anonymised electronic health records from approximately 500 participating veterinary practices -to explore temporal trends and identify factors associated with dogs having their ears cropped.…”