Joey Essex has returned his new puppy after receiving backlash from fans and animal charities over its “mutilated” ears.
Former The Only Way Is Essex star Joey, 32, recently shared snaps of the latest addition to his family on Instagram in a now-deleted post, with the caption: "Newest member." However, his followers soon pointed out the pup appeared to have cropped ears, a purely cosmetic procedure which is banned in the UK.
After being slammed by fans, Joey said he was "horrified" and has now returned the pooch to show he does not condone the act of ear cropping. The practice is deemed cruel as it is usually a painful procedure carried out without anaesthetic and is often used purely to make them look fashionable.
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Speaking to the MailOnline, “animal lover” Joey said: "I really wanted to give the dog a home, I fell in love with him. But me taking him on as a pet would justify this cruel procedure, which will give the wrong message to my fans and followers."
Many animal welfare experts and charities took to social media to criticise the reality star. TV vet Sean McCormack was particularly vocal on Twitter regarding Joey’s “unbelievable” actions.
He said: “Pity to see @JoeyEssex_ who claimed to condemn ear cropping & be a dog welfare advocate purchasing his own mutilated puppy to parade on social media, right?”
The British Veterinary Association also condemned the TOWIE star, saying: “Disappointing to see yet another celebrity buying a cropped-ear dog.
"Please help stop this cruel mutilation; don't publicise these dogs & sign the petition to get the Kept Animals Bill over the line. Ear cropping is a painful mutilation done purely for fashion."
After announcing he has now returned the dog, Joey shared a shared a petition for the Kept Animals welfare Bill on Thursday in a show of support. However, despite Joey’s apparent animal advocacy, fans were still critical and felt he should have done more research before taking in the animal.
One said: “Joey Essex returned his dog because taking on a pet with docked ears is cruel. RETURNING IT IS JUST AS BAD AS IT HAVING DOCKED EARS.
“Why don’t people try to research animals before taking them on. This is the reason so many animals end up at shelters.”
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