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Controversial practice of dog ear cropping in the local spotlight after arrest

Posted at 5:55 PM, Oct 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-10 17:55:33-04

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — It’s a highly controversial practice, cropping dogs ears. If not done properly, experts say it will get you in trouble with the law.

“This is really just for people who think it makes their dog look better,” said Niagara County SPCA Animal Control Officer Ryan Scott.

Scott says people often want their dogs ears clipped because they claim it looks better.

A Niagara Falls man is facing animal cruelty charges after police say he cut of seven puppies ears with a scissors.

Scott says this is absolutely illegal. The dog needs to be properly sedated by a professional, licensed veterinarian.

“We shouldn’t be putting animals through that torture,” said downstate lawmaker Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez.

Fernandez has sponsored a bill, currently in the Assembly that would make it illegal to crop a dogs ears or tail for anything but a medical reason.

“It seems like an inhumane practice to me,” she said.

Fernandez is hopeful her bill passes this next legislative session.