Dog show called off again in Manchester over ear crops

The BBC filmed undercover at an ABKC UK event in Manchester in July

An international dog show has been cancelled for the second time after a BBC investigation into animal welfare.

The event, run by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) UK, was due to be held earlier this year in Coventry.

The venue terminated its agreement with organisers after the findings, which showed American bully-type dogs with cropped ears getting prizes.

The ABKC UK Bully Festival was due to move to Manchester on Saturday, but it will no longer go ahead.

A spokesman for Bowlers Exhibition Centre said: "After careful consideration and extensive consultation with local authorities, police and the RSPCA we have come to a mutual decision to cancel this weekend's ABKC dog show due to take place at the centre on Saturday."

The RSPCA said ear-cropping was a "painful process where a dog's outer ears are removed altogether or are surgically altered, with the tips or huge sections of the outer ear being cut off".

The practice has been called "cruel" and "mutilation" by welfare organisations and is illegal in the UK under the Animal Health and Welfare Act.

Undercover filming found dogs with freshly cropped ears

The RSPCA said it had seen incidents of ear-cropping rise in recent years.

Dr Samantha Gaines, from the charity, said she was "really pleased" the Manchester event had been cancelled.

"We raised our concerns with the centre and, after considering the impact of holding this event, they have listened and done the right thing."

She said ear-cropping was a "painful, unnecessary procedure" which should not be applauded.

"Sadly, despite [being illegal and cruel], too many people still think this is a desirable cosmetic trait and inflict this on dogs for no other reason than for the look," she added.

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The investigation by the BBC's Panorama and Disclosure programmes also saw one journalist secretly film in the house of an ABKC qualified judge.

They found two 10-week-old puppies in a cage with freshly cropped ears.

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The ABKC dog show organiser Sean Main previously told the BBC there was nothing illegal about the show.

"It is not illegal for a dog with cropped ears to be imported into the country," he said.

The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which is currently going through Westminster, would prohibit the import of dogs with cropped ears.

It has received cross-party support and backing from organisations including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and British Veterinary Association.