CONVICTED (2021) | Jamie Voice, born 8 January 1998, and partner Lucy Thompson, born 20 August 1998, both of Queen Elizabeth Road, Nuneaton CV10 – banned from keeping animals for life after cropping puppies’ ears Voice and Thompson, who are parents, subjected their three puppies to an unnecessary painful and psychologically damaging cosmetic procedure Lucy Thompson and Jamie Voice both pleaded guilty to one offence under Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act for causing the cropping of three puppies’ ears. RSPCA officers visited the couple’s property with police on 27 August 2020. Ear cropping has been outlawed in England since 1899, but is still being carried out illegally. Inspector Beth Boyd said: “There were three XL American bully puppies inside, all with cropped ears. “Thirteen-week-olds Khaleesi and Nymeria, and 10-week-old Enemy all had the tips of their ears removed. This process can be incredibly painful for dogs and can also cause long-term health, welfare and behaviour problems for the dogs. The couple are now banned for life from keeping animals “As part of our enquiries we spoke to vets who had seen Khaleesi and Nymeria for vaccinations and they confirmed that both dogs had their ears intact at that point, meaning the cropping must have been carried out by the owners after their first vaccinations.” The couple were charged jointly with causing or permitting a mutilated procedure – namely ear cropping – to take place on their three puppies: Khaleesi, Nymeria and Enemy. Beth added: “Police seized all three dogs and they have remained in our care during the case. Thankfully, they’ve been in foster homes where they’ve been doing really well and we’re thrilled that we can now rehome them all.” Sentencing: 18-month community orders with requirements for 100 hours of unpaid work and a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement. They must also both pay £250 in costs. All three dogs were removed from their ownership by the courts meaning they can now be rehomed by the RSPCA. The pair were also disqualified from keeping all animals for life. Dogs Today Planet Radio
