RICKY Gervais and the RSPCA have signed a petition to stop the ‘horrific' cosmetic surgery.
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Ricky Gervais and the RSPCA have thrown their support behind a campaign to prevent the ear cropping of dogs. The petition, started by dog trainer Jordan Shelley, has received more than 76,000 signatures and will be considered for debate in Parliament if it reaches 100,000.Ricky Gervais said: “It's horrific to think that something as barbaric as ear cropping still goes on. It causes these poor dogs so much suffering and it is completely unnecessary.
“To think anyone would do this to an animal just for the sake of image is disgusting.”
The extremely painful process removes all or parts of a dog’s outer ears and is mainly done for cosmetic reasons. Ear cropping has no benefits for dogs and is illegal in the UK. However, the process is still legal in other parts of the world including some European countries and the US.READ MORE:Minute's Silence UK: What time is silence to mark year of lockdown?An inexpensive and easy summer treat for dogs: Cut up apples in chicken broth and freeze in an ice cube tray.
Campaigners are concerned because the procedure can have serious health and welfare implications for the dog. There is a high chance of post-surgical infection and severe scarring and there are concerns that the practice affects a dog’s hearing and communicating with other animals and owners.
Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA dog welfare expert, said: “Ear cropping is a barbaric practice that is illegal in England & Wales.“But, worryingly, we are seeing an upturn in the number of reports being made to our cruelty line about dogs with cropped ears and we are extremely concerned that this trend is becoming increasingly normalised, glamorised and popular.
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"We fear that images being shared on social media and used within advertising as well as high-profile sports stars and celebrities buying dogs with cropped ears is making the look more popular and maybe influencing others to do the same.
According to RSPCA figures, there has been a 621 percent increase in dog ear cropping reports in the last six years.In response to the petition, a Government spokesperson said: “The practice of mutilating dogs’ ears is abhorrent and has rightly been banned in the UK for 15 years.“The Government welcomes further evidence on this abhorrent practice from the RSPCA. We will also explore options to tackle the import of mutilated dogs, consistent with World Trade Organisation rules.”You should never physically punish your pet. It brings the animal pain and fear, and it gains you nothing. It’s a lose-lose situation. Please don’t do it.