STOP CRUEL STOP CRUEL EAR CROPPING

Popularity of American in barbaric practice bulldog sparked by rappers, SSPCA reports huge 600% increase

- MARK MCGIVERN

ANIMAL investigators reported a huge rise in the illegal ear cropping of dogs after the American Bully breed became a trendy favourite among rappers and footballers.

The Scottish SPCA has reported a rise of more than 600 per cent in calls relating to the cruel and pointless practice in just six years.

And the body now reports that its investigators are being inundated with calls about puppies being mutilated by DIY "vets", believed to be armed with scissors, kitchen knives and scalpels.

The boom in the cruel surgery - where crooks charge up to £1000 for DIY operations is being partly blamed on celebrities who have been happy to show of photos of their own animals on social media.

Today we can reveal a gallery of rogues who were snared by the SSPCA's Special Investigations Unit after calls from angry members of the public in relation to ear cropping.

They are appealing for information that will shut down the backstreet clinics where the vile operations are taking place, often without adequate anaesthetic.

In January this year, Henry Chrystal, 33, pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to causing unnecessary suffering through failing to provide veterinary treatment for injuries caused by a prohibited procedure.