Finn

The illegal practice of ear cropping remains a trend.

In 2021 we reported the alarming increase, nationally and locally, in the illegal practice of ear cropping by sharing Finn's story. The cutting is done for cosmetic reasons, allegedly to make the dogs look tough, but has both health and behaviour connotations (as it reduces dog to dog communication). Sadly this trend persists, a report from BBC Panorama shows this continued breeding for looks, including ear cropping, at the expense of a dog's health.

Finn was from a litter of nine puppies all subjected to this mutilation – they had received no pain relief during the procedure and many of the wounds remained infected. The owner was successfully prosecuted by the RSPCA and was sentenced to 14 weeks custody and disqualified from keeping dogs for 15 years. 

We cared for Finn and two of his siblings in our spacious puppy unit, making sure they were socialised in this critical time of their lives. Once they were cleared to be signed over to us, our three were adopted to happy and stable homes. 

Update December 2025

We are very pleased to share that the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act has been passed.

The new law will mean dogs and cats subjected to the cruel and painful procedures such as ear cropping and tail docking will not be allowed in the UK, where these mutilations are already banned.

The import bill will also close loopholes used by criminal puppy smugglers by banning people bringing heavily pregnant dogs and puppies under the age of six months old. 

Meanwile, Finn has continued to be an ambassador for rescue dogs and those who have lived through this terrible crime. He is regularly a foster 'uncle' to puppies at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, when they have temporary stays at his home.