A trio of criminals have been banned from owning animals after cropping puppies' ears.

Alexander Johnson, Holly Dunn, and Amanda Whitehouse were all involved in the cruel practice, which has been illegal in the UK since 2006.

Another individual Aaron Lee Wareham boasted about selling the mutilated puppies, naming his businesses "High Grade Bullz" and "Balaclava Bullies."

Mr Wareham, who died before he could enter a plea, recruited Johnson to perform the illegal procedures for £450, and Dunn and Whitehouse both had dogs with cropped ears.

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The trio of defendants, who were sentenced for animal cruelty charges, described Mr Wareham as the "ringleader".

Johnson, 35, of Elmsmere Road

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