Television personality and animal rights advocate, Olivia Attwood, joined animal welfare charity, Battersea, outside the Houses of Parliament to mark a major milestone in the fight to end ear cropping on animals.

New legislation is set to ban the import of dogs with cropped ears and other illegal mutilations, finally closing a loophole that has allowed the practice to continue in the UK under the false claim it was ‘done abroad’. The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets) Bill will also introduce new safeguards to prevent puppy smuggling and protect young or pregnant animals.

Olivia Attwood said: “This law change has been a long time coming. Too many people still think that ear cropping is a trend worth sacrificing their pets’ welfare for. Aesthetics never justify animals’ suffering.

“It’s thanks to the work of charities like Battersea that we’re finally seeing a major legal loophole closed. Pet owners will no longer be able to hide behind claims that their cropped-eared dogs were imported from abroad, when the procedure was done illegally at home. Together, we’re putting a stop to dogs being mutilated for a statement."

Social media has played a significant role in ‘glamorising’ cropped ears dogs with new research carried out by Battersea revealing that nearly a third of people (28%) have seen dogs with cropped ears online – making it the main way the public are exposed to the mutilation in the UK.

The research also found that exposure to cropped eared dogs online can fuel demand for a ‘certain look’, with almost half of those polled (44%) who had seen dogs with cropped ears on social media, agreeing that this has influenced more people to get their dogs ears cropped.

Olivia’s presence today, alongside Dr Danny Chambers MP, Dr Neil Hudson MP, and The Lord Trees, who have been key players in pushing the Bill through Parliament, highlights a growing demand to end the brutal practice once and for all.

Peter Laurie, Chief Executive of Battersea, said: “This Bill represents a significant step forward for animal welfare in the UK. Battersea has campaigned for years to close this regulatory loophole and end the emotional and physical suffering that many animals who come into our care have previously been subjected to.

“We are grateful to everyone who has championed this legislation and welcome the long overdue protections it will provide for vulnerable animals.”

Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester (Lib Dem), said: “As a trained vet, I've treated many dogs with cruelly cropped ears or docked tails, leaving them physically scarred and emotionally traumatised. Knowing this Bill will have a bigger impact on animal welfare than I could possibly have achieved in a lifetime treating individual animals, demonstrates how important this legislation will prove to be.

“Thanks to the support of organisations like Battersea and other animal welfare charities, we got the Animal Welfare Bill through the Commons, through the Lords, and it's now on course to become law."

The Lord Trees said: “This new legislation will markedly improve the welfare of dogs and cats in the UK. It will close loopholes that have enabled the large-scale, commercial smuggling of dogs under the guise of the pet travel scheme, dogs which have frequently been kept in poor conditions, are not socialised and are vulnerable to ill health.”

The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets) Bill is poised to pass after receiving it’s third and final reading on 21 November 2025 and is expected to achieve Royal Assent in the coming days.

-Ends-

Methodology:

The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 2000 UK adults (18+). The data was collected between 12.11.2025 - 14.11.2025. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council.

For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk

Notes to editors

• At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.

• In 2024 Battersea directly cared for 2,766 dogs and 2,454 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.

• In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.

• To find out more visit Battersea’s website (https://www.battersea.org.uk/about-us/press) or follow Battersea on Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea

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