South Wales breeder convicted of illegal ear cropping

Eugene Vatsaloo, a South Wales dog breeder operating under the name Prizebullz Kennels, has been convicted of 13 animal welfare offences following a five-day trial at Cardiff Crown Court. The convictions relate to the illegal practice of ear cropping, a procedure where a dog's ears are cut or clipped.

The RSPCA initiated legal action after a witness purchased a puppy from Vatsaloo that had already undergone the procedure. Investigations by the RSPCA’s Field Investigations Team identified at least 13 dogs bred by Vatsaloo that had been cropped. Evidence from social media activity indicated that Vatsaloo had been arranging for puppies to have their ears cropped for at least two years.

Vatsaloo maintained a significant social media presence with approximately 415,000 followers, including high-profile figures such as Snoop Dogg. He also claimed to have sold an uncropped dog to the Kardashians. In May 2024, RSPCA officers and South Wales Police executed a warrant at his Tonyrefail home.