The RSPCA is calling for a change in the law to close a loophole that allows people to import dogs with cropped ears into the UK.

Ear cropping, also known as docking, is illegal in the UK but figures released by the RSPCA showed a 621% increase in reports of the practice received between 2016-2022.

The procedure cuts the ear flaps off a dog and is carried out for cosmetic reasons - often because an owner believes cropped ears will make its dog look 'tough' or more intimidating. A painful procedure without evidence of benefits to the animal, ear docking impairs a dog's ability to communicate for life.

It is not illegal to import a dog with cropped ears into the UK, which the RSPCA argues makes it hard to prove the practice when it happens at home and allows owners who want the 'aesthetic' to source it abroad.

Dr Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA's companion animals team, said: "Ear cropping is a painful and unnecessary practice in which a dogs' ears are removed or surgically altered. It does not benefit the dog in any way and can actually be detrimental to their health, behaviour and welfare, but sadly many owners think the look is glamorous or makes their pet look tough.

"While we do have concerns that ear cropping is being carried out illegally, and underground, in this country, some dogs with cropped ears are being sent abroad to have the procedure done or are being imported deliberately from countries with less stringent animal welfare laws and regulations than here."

A ban on the import of dogs with cropped ears pledged by the UK Government in 2021 as part of its Kept Animal Bill has spent 500 days in limbo, now prompting the RSPCA to launch its Mutilated for Money campaign.

As part of the campaign, launched with Welsh charity Hope Rescue, the RSPCA is urging people to request an urgent crackdown on imports of dogs with cropped ears in letters to their MPs.

Research by the RSPCA shows that 82% of people surveyed in London believe the UK Government should ban the importation of dogs with cropped ears.

Last year, the RSPCA's emergency line received 391 reports about ear cropped dogs - more than one report every day. In 2023 so far, the animal charity has received 124 reports about ear cropping.

Since the start of 2020, there have been 75 reports of dogs with cropped ears in London.

Dr Gaines added: "Dogs should never be mutilated for cosmetic purposes and, while this practice has been illegal in this country for a long, long time, we'd like to see more regulation to ensure that it's no longer possible to get a cropped dog in England and Wales, unless rescuing through a reputable organisation.

"Sadly, our rescuers continue to frequently see dogs who are suffering as a result of ear cropping - so regulations in the UK which will ban the importation of dogs with cropped ears will be so important.

"We know unscrupulous traders seek to circumvent the law and crop dogs' ears to try and make a quick buck, which is frustratingly fuelled by unhelpful social media trends. That's why we're urging the UK Government to work with us and our friends at Hope Rescue to launch a new promotional campaign, highlighting to dog owners the law and how dangerous ear cropping is for dogs. The UK Government also needs to revive its stalled Kept Animals Bill, to criminalise the import of these poor dogs with cropped ears."