A cut too far: How 'breed standards' became a Doberman’s death sentence

A shocking case of animal cruelty has emerged in Hong Kong after a two-month-old female Doberman puppy was found abandoned in Cherry Street Park when typhoon Wutip hit.

The puppy was found with her ears crudely cut and stitched—a painful procedure believed to have been performed for cosmetic purposes. She later died from complications, prompting outrage and a police investigation.

On June 13 at 6am, a volunteer from animal rescue group “520 Dog Support” braved the rainy weather to retrieve the puppy after receiving a tip-off.

The rescuer, Leung, found the dog under a park bench with her ears mutilated—each bearing an approximately 8 cm-long incision, poorly stitched and inflamed. Shockingly, white paper cups had been glued to her ears, likely to force them upright.

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Dobermans are naturally floppy-eared, but some owners subject them to ear-cropping, an archaic practice aimed at achieving an "aesthetic" look. The painful procedure, increasingly banned overseas, involves cutting and shaping the ears, often without proper anesthesia or veterinary care.

Police investigate after puppy succumbs to infection

Leung rushed the puppy to a Yuen Long veterinary clinic, but she died hours later from severe enteritis, suspected to be linked to her untreated wounds. The body was sent to an animal funeral service in Kwai Chung, and Leung reported the case to police.

The force has since classified the incident as "animal cruelty" and seized the remains for an autopsy by the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (AFCD). Investigators are working to identify the perpetrator.

"Beauty over welfare" sparks public outcry

In a social media post, the animal group condemned the act: "We can’t imagine how this baby endured needles piercing her ears. Was she sedated? Or forced to suffer awake? A two-month-old shouldn’t endure such pain!"

The group suspects the botched procedure led to fatal infections and urged the culprit to "come forward and face justice."

The Non-Profit Making Veterinary Service Soceity (NPV) joined the condemnation, calling ear-cropping "shameful cruelty disguised as beauty."

While Hong Kong law doesn’t explicitly ban the practice, NPV stressed that "civilized societies must reject such abuse" and pushed for legislation.

"Abandoning a sick animal is unforgivable—animals feel pain just like humans," the group added.

(Marco Lam)