Animal bans for group after probe on dogs’ ear-cropping

Year's jail for man paid £450 to carry it out

- Sentinel Reporter

THREE cruel criminals have been banned from keeping animals for their part in illegally cropping dogs’ ears in Stoke-on-Trent.

Alexander Johnson - who described himself as an 'icon in the dog world' - Holly Dunn and Amanda Whitehouse all played a part in the 'evil' trade.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Aaron Lee Wareham, who has since died, had boasted about selling mutilated puppies through his businesses Balaclava Bullies and High Grade Bullz.

Mr Wareham recruited Johnson to carry out the procedures for £450, while Dunn and Whitehouse had dogs with cropped ears. The co-accused described Mr Wareham as the 'ringleader' of the operation as they were sentenced for animal cruelty offences. Mr Wareham died before entering a plea.

Johnson, aged 35, of Elmsmere Road, Abbey Hulton, was sentenced to 12 months in prison while 29-year-old Dunn, of Dentdale Close, Longton, and Whitehouse, 56, of Barry Avenue, Bucknall, were handed suspended sentences of 23 weeks and nine weeks respectively.