RORY CANNY AND SOPHIE SNELL BUSTED IN CLACTON-ON-SEA FOR ILLEGAL DOG EAR CROPPING

In a significant crackdown on illegal animal cruelty, Rory Canny and Sophie Snell, both residents of Clacton-on-Sea, have been convicted for their involvement in the illegal cropping of dogs' ears. The pair, who operate under the name Bully Lair UK, were found guilty of one offence each under the Animal Welfare Act, specifically related to the unethical practice of ear cropping.

Authorities from the RSPCA launched an investigation after receiving reports concerning dogs with altered ears. The investigation led to a warrant being executed at a property located on St Osyth Road East, Little Clacton, within the Clacton-on-Sea area. During the search, several dogs were seized, among them some that had clearly undergone ear cropping procedures. The suspects initially claimed that a dog named Bjorn had been imported from Bulgaria, attempting to conceal the fact that they had bred him themselves.

Further inquiries revealed inconsistencies in their statements. Canny and Snell denied any ownership of a dog named Nylah, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Online research into their breeding business, Bully Lair UK, uncovered numerous images posted on social media platforms showing puppies with their ears intact, alongside others with cropped ears. These images, particularly from the company's Instagram account, played a crucial role in the case.

RSPCA inspector Caroline Richardson, who compiled a detailed report based on the social media evidence, explained: “An image posted on May 9, 2020, on the BullylairUK Instagram page shows a litter of puppies with their ears whole, indicating they are only four weeks old. Later, in December 2020, Bjorn is posted with cropped ears. Both Canny and Snell confirmed in interviews that this is the same dog and that they bred him.”

Initially, the couple claimed they adopted Bjorn when he was four months old, but they later admitted to breeding him. They asserted that they sold him to a friend overseas, who then arranged for the ear cropping. However, online evidence, including photographs posted during the period when Bjorn was supposedly abroad, suggests he remained with the couple. No travel documents have been produced to support their claims.

Another dog, Tiger Lily, also appears on the same Instagram account with her ears intact. She bears distinctive markings, including a white fork-shaped chest marking, similar to a dog seen during the authorities' visit, which also had unaltered ears. When questioned, the pair denied breeding her, claiming she came from another kennels.

Further evidence includes Nylah, who was photographed in May 2020 as a four-week-old puppy with whole ears. A subsequent photo from March 2021 shows her with cropped ears, and the suspects claimed she was co-owned with another kennels. During interviews, Snell stated she was unaware of Nylah’s ownership, and Canny denied any co-ownership.

Another dog, Saber Tooth, was shown in an Instagram post from January 2021 with unaltered ears. However, a March 2021 video depicts Canny holding a puppy with similar markings but with cropped ears. Canny claimed that this cropped-eared puppy was from another kennels and that Saber Tooth was imported from Bulgaria.

Inspector Richardson emphasized the cruelty of ear cropping, describing it as a “horrific practice” with no health benefits and potential lifelong consequences for the dogs. She added, “This procedure is performed purely for cosmetic reasons and often increases the value of puppies sold. We urge the public and prospective dog buyers to remember that ear cropping is illegal and causes significant harm to the animals.”

In sentencing, Rory Canny received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Sophie Snell was handed a six-month curfew. Both were ordered to pay £600 each in legal costs and are subject to a five-year ban on keeping dogs, which will expire in November 2027.