Britain’s ‘deadliest dog breed’ show in tatters after sick ‘mutilation’ reports
A dog show celebrating one of Britain’s deadliest legal breeds has been cancelled for a second time after a BBC investigation found dogs with cropped ears, an illegal procedure in the UK, were being given prizes.
The dog show, run by American Bully Kennel Club, was due to be held earlier this year in Coventry, but was suspended after it was found its judges had allegedly given prizes to dogs with cropped ears.
Ear-cropping is where skin at the tops of dogs' ears are mutilated to reshape them for aesthetic purposes.
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American Bullies tend to have their ears cropped to make them look more upright and alert.
The cruel practice has been illegal in the UK under the Animal Health and Welfare Act since 2006.
The ABKC UK Bully Festival managed to find another venue in Manchester and the show was meant to go ahead on Saturday at Bowlers Exhibition Centre.
But a spokesperson for the venue toldthe BBC: "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 event’s second cancellation came after the local council reportedly had animal welfare concerns, telling Manchester Evening News it “does not support any events where the welfare of animals could be put at risk."
The ABKC dog show organiser Sean Main previously told the BBC there was nothing illegal about the show, saying: "It is not illegal for a dog with cropped ears to be imported into the country.”
This may change soon though, as the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which is currently going through parliament, would prohibit the import of dogs with cropped ears if passed.
The bill has received support from several parties, as well as backing from animal welfare organisations including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and British Veterinary Association.
The news of the Manchester show's cancellation came just a few weeks after Greater Manchester Police seized 17 XL Bullies following a vicious dog attack against a six-year-old girl.
The Daily Star reported that eight dogs and nine puppies were taken from a property after the unnamed young girl was rushed to hospital on March 26.
Earlier this month an inquest heard how a 52kg American Bully XL was discovered licking blood away after savaging a man to death in a Hampshire Park.
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