New legislation on cropping dogs ears is welcome but must be enforced according to a local animal rescue.
People who own or import dogs with cropped ears are facing hefty fines and jail terms.
A major government clampdown is to be announced next week, which will see people in breach of regulations eligible for fines of up to €250,000 or five years in jail for the most serious offences.
Ear cropping is mainly performed on fighting dog breeds, but animal welfare groups say it is barbaric.
The new regulations will target those who operate vehicles, vessels or aircraft used for importing dogs with cropped ears.
Bridget Banham from Roscommon SPCA says we can't pay lip service to animal welfare issues: