A Maidenhead woman faces a decade-long ban on dog ownership after a serious animal welfare violation
The police and RSPCA inspectors showed up at her home because they were worried about Haze’s well-being. When they arrived, they found that Haze had cropped ears, which is a big no-no.
They even discovered photos on Baptiste’s phone that proved she allowed this painful and illegal procedure to happen while Haze was in her care. RSPCA inspector Prisca Giddens made it clear that ear cropping is not only painful but also serves no purpose for the dogs.
The court took Baptiste’s remorse into account, but still decided on a ten-year ban from owning dogs. She can’t even appeal for the first five years! On top of that, she has to do 200 hours of unpaid work and pay a £200 fine, starting in December 2024.
The offence happened between January and February 2023, right in Maidenhead. Baptiste let someone else perform the ear cropping, which goes against the Animal Welfare Act. The court said she either allowed it or didn’t do enough to stop it.
The RSPCA hopes this case will make others think twice before doing something similar. They’re still fighting against ear cropping, calling it a painful and unnecessary act that benefits no one.
