CONVICTED (2021) | Che Osiris Lord, born c. 1983, of Meare Road, Glastonbury BA6 – arranged for three puppies to have their ears cropped One of the puppies rescued from Che Lord Lord, who is originally from Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent, allowed three of his dogs to be subjected to the painful and illegal procedure in December 2020. A veterinary report presented to the court explained that in addition to the acute inflammation and pain associated with the cropping process there may also be a number of longer term welfare concerns related to the tissue removal and altered ear posture. In the report, veterinary surgeon Dr Sean Taylor said: “As with any tissue removal there will be associated chronic scarring and stimulation of associated nerves which may result in chronic pain. “Dogs communicate with each other via body language in a similar way to humans and part of this communication involves ear movement and position. “Mutilation of the ear pinna results in a dramatically altered ear shape which may hinder the dog’s ability to communicate effectively.” RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson, who investigated the case, said: “Ear cropping is illegal in England and Wales, under Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. “While it is still legal in some European countries and US states, it is illegal here which means owners cannot crop their dogs’ ears, or send them to have their ears cropped by someone else.” All three of Lord’s dogs, described as American XL bulldogs, will now be rehomed. Sentencing: 12-month community order, with 40 hours of unpaid work; total of £195 costs and charges. Deprivation order on his three dogs but not disqualified from getting more. ITV News Somerset County Gazette