New laws to clampdown on 'cruel practice' of cropping dogs ears

New legislation has been announced to further clampdown on the illegal practice of the cropping of dogs ears. 

Minister Charlie McConalogue  today announced he has signed into law a new statutory instrument (SI 412/2023) to strengthen restrictions in relation to the practice of cropping the ears of dogs.

Those who breach the regulations could face a fine of up to €250,000 on top of up to five years in prison. Minor infractions could result in a penalty of €5,000 or up to six months in jail.
 
“Cropping of dogs’ ears is an unnecessary, cruel practice that has no place in Ireland. This procedure causes severe pain and lifelong problems for dogs. Cropping of dogs’ ears has been illegal in Ireland since 2013. These new regulations will extend existing prohibitions on ear cropping, to protect dogs across Ireland from this unjustifiable and needless mutilation,” Minister  McConalogue said. 
 
From the 1st of September 2023, it will be illegal for a person to be in possession, or have control, of a dog that has had all, or part, of its ears removed after this date (1st September), unless the person has in their possession the necessary documentation.

Depending on the circumstances, the required documentation may be an import licence, a veterinary certificate or a record issued by an animal welfare charity.
 
It will be illegal to import into Ireland a dog with cropped ears unless an import licence is granted in advance.
 
The sale or supply of dogs with cropped ears (other than by listed animal welfare charities) will also be prohibited.
 
The new regulations also address availability of so-called “DIY dog ear cropping kits”, which can be used to carry out this mutilation. Possession, sale or supply of such equipment will be restricted to veterinary practitioners or their suppliers.
 
These regulations also prohibit owners or occupiers of land or premises in which shows, competitions, sporting or cultural events are held from having dogs with cropped ears present at such events.