Man banned from keeping animals after RSPCA finds dogs with illegally cropped ears in Nuneaton home

The owner has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years.

A man who arranged illegal ear-cropping procedures for his XL bully dogs has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years.

Wayne Ruiz from Coventry, appeared at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday 4th July to be sentenced after pleading guilty to two Animal Welfare Act offences relating to two XL bullies, Lava and Kong.

An RSPCA inspector visited Ruiz’s previous address in Nuneaton and saw that both dogs had cropped ears.

Following the RSPCA’s initial visit, a search warrant with the police was obtained and, on Wednesday 28th September 2022, Inspector Marston, an RSPCA animal rescue officer, a council dog warden and a police officer attended the address.

An ear splint was found during the search, and there was blood splatter across a wall in the dining room, likely from one of the dogs shaking its head.

It was confirmed to the police that the dogs didn’t have cropped ears when they were sold to Ruiz.

An RSPCA vet said: “Ear cropping is illegal in the UK and EU as it is considered an act of mutilation. 

“If these dogs had ear-cropping procedures performed in the UK then it is assumed they were not performed by a registered veterinary surgeon, as it is illegal. This means that they can not have legally received appropriate pain relief either during or after the procedure, resulting in them experiencing unnecessary pain and suffering. Any owner who willingly allowed for this procedure to be carried out will have failed to protect from pain, suffering, injury and disease.”

As well as the 15-year ban on keeping animals, Ruiz was also given an 18-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

Lava and Kong are now in RSPCA care.

Inspector Marston said: “Ear cropping is a horrific immoral, unnecessary and repulsive practice which has absolutely no benefits for the dogs and can cause them lifelong health, behavioural and social problems.

“This is done purely for cosmetic purposes. We would urge the public and anyone looking to buy a puppy to remember this is an illegal procedure, which has a hugely negative impacts for the dogs themselves.”