Samantha Gaines: Last News

The BBC has come under fire over its decision to dye dogs a different colour in a new primetime TV show - with the RSPCA saying it sends out a “worrying message”.

XL bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public under strict new rules that have come into force today (December 31).

dogs’ ears are on sale online.The painful procedure, which has no health value, involves cutting and taping their ears to make them stand up so the pet looks more ferocious.It is often done on breeds such as Dobermans and American bulldogs, which have become popular among footballers and celebrities.RSPCA dog welfare expert, Dr Samantha Gaines said: “Dogs have their ears cropped for one reason and one reason only, to achieve a certain ‘look’.“In short, it makes them look tougher, more intimidating.” Ear cropping is illegal here under the Animal Welfare Act, unless done for medical reasons. But a loophole allows pups with clipped ears and docked tails to be imported, often from the US and Russia.

The RSPCA has urged pet owners to avoid being licked or sharing food with their animals following the spread of coronavirus.