Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Ear Cropping and Welfare

Ear cropping is a painful, medically unnecessary cosmetic procedure causing welfare harm that is banned in the UK and most of Europe.

Key Facts

Ear cropping involves surgical removal of part of the ear flap, typically in puppies under 12 weeks
The procedure causes acute pain, infection risk, and long-term changes to ear canal function
Ear cropping is banned in the UK under the Animal Welfare Act 2006
Imported cropped dogs and dogs cropped abroad for UK sale remain a welfare concern
Breed standards that require cropped ears drive demand for the procedure internationally

Welfare Considerations

Ear cropping is cosmetic surgery performed on puppies for appearance not welfare benefit. The pain, infection risk, and psychological impact on young dogs makes this a clear welfare harm that is rightly banned in most of Europe.

What You Can Do

Never acquire a dog with cropped ears that was cropped after UK law came into force
Report suspected ear cropping to RSPCA or the police
Support campaigns against ear cropping in countries where it remains legal