Blackpool Man Convicted of Animal Cruelty for Cropping Dog's Ears

A Blackpool man has been convicted of animal cruelty for having the ears of his dog cropped.

Simon Broscombe, 35, of Bela Grove, Blackpool, admitted one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, contrary to section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

He also admitted charges of allowing another person to carry out a prohibited procedure on an animal, contrary to section 5 of the Act, and failing to ensure the welfare of an animal, contrary to section 9 of the Act.

District Judge Jane Goodwin, sitting at Blackpool Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 27th November 2019, heard that Broscombe had the ears of six-month-old puppy Tyson cut into points to give him a more "street cred" look.

As a result of information received, the RSPCA was granted a warrant under section 23 of the Act. The RSPCA and police executed the warrant at Broscombe's property on 19th March 2019.

The court heard how Broscombe, when confronted by RSPCA inspector Amy McIntosh, grabbed his phone and tried to delete WhatsApp pictures of Tyson from it.

However, the investigators traced messages from Broscombe, with one stating: "...with big floppy ears. He not the kind of dog I want."

Pictures were also found of Tyson with his ears intact.

RSPCA prosecutor Paul Ridehalgh said: "This dog is a cross between an American pit bull and American staffie.

"The investigators found pictures of Tyson with his ears intact and the defendant knew that ear cropping in the UK is illegal.

"Owners want cropped ears because it makes the animal more intimidating.

"These ears were mutilated and [Broscombe] would not say who did it which obstructed the RSPCA investigating."

Broscombe paid £2,000 for Tyson, who was born in Holland. He described the dog as 'his pride and joy', and forked out £3,000 for a solid gold collar.

Trevor Colebourne, mitigating, said: "My client bought the dog via a breeder thinking it had had his ears cropped in Holland before being brought into the UK.

"He would not name the person who carried out the procedure as he had been given a threat to keep his mouth shut and not be a grass."

Sentencing Broscombe, Judge Goodwin told him: "Despite your claim to be a responsible animal lover you became involved in a seedy operation which was a deliberate attempt to cause suffering.

"You will not name the vet you claim was involved and this dog will have suffered for up to five days."

Broscombe was sentenced to 12 weeks' custody, suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £600 in prosecution costs and £115 victim surcharge.

An order was imposed banning him from keeping animals for a minimum of seven years.

Ownership of Tyson was transferred to the RSPCA.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: "Ear cropping is a process where ears are removed or surgically altered, usually for the purposes of appearance.

"We do not believe dogs should be mutilated for cosmetic purposes and we'd urge people not to buy a dog with cropped ears as - whether the process was carried out here or overseas - they still will have undergone this very painful process."