A MAN who got his puppy’s ears cropped claimed the dog had been imported from Bulgaria.
A Scottish SPCA inspector visited Andrew Dean Kirkland’s home in Airdrie in April last year and found Kane, an American bully pup.
The dog, who was around six months old at the time, was immediately removed due to concerns for his welfare.
He was taken to a vet surgery and examined.
The SSPCA special investigations unit inspector involved in the case said: “It was determined the ear cropping would have taken place more than three weeks prior.
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“Three-quarters of both of the flaps on Kane’s ears had been removed and there were dimples on either side of the wound consistent with the placement of suture material.
“This illegal procedure would have caused Kane considerable pain and discomfort for purely cosmetic reasons.
“At first, Kirkland tried to claim that the dog had been imported from Bulgaria with cropped ears."
Kirkland, 32, said he thought ear cropping was legal and had been told it would make his dog less aggressive and stop him from fighting with other dogs.
He pleaded guilty at Airdrie Sheriff Court on August 30, 2022, to causing unnecessary suffering through failing to provide veterinary treatment for injuries caused by a prohibited procedure.
Kirkland was sentenced on November 7 and was handed a 12-month ban on owning, keeping or working with animals.
He was also ordered to carry out 190 hours of unpaid work.
The inspector said: “In the UK, as ear cropping is a prohibited procedure, any operation is unlikely to be carried out with appropriate anaesthetic or pain relief.
“Kirkland has allowed this to be carried out to a defenceless young dog, undoubtedly causing significant unnecessary suffering, with no regard for the pain and discomfort this would ultimately cause Kane.
“We are pleased that Kirkland has been given a ban but, given that he has shown a premeditated willingness to compromise welfare for a purely cosmetic reason, we would have liked it to be for a longer period of time.”
If anyone is concerned about an animal, contact the SSPCA's confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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