Jack Fincham is SLAMMED by fans for buying a dog with cropped ears

Jack Fincham has come under fire from his Instagram followers for purchasing a dog with cropped ears, after posting a snap of himself posing with the pooch.

The Love Island 2018 victor took to the image-sharing platform on Saturday evening to show off his four-legged friend Elvis, as they enjoyed a train ride together.

Captioning the image, the 29-year-old reality star wrote: ‘Me and my best pal rolling on the train solo. Always by my side dunno what I’d do without you.’

Slammed: Jack Fincham has come under fire from his Instagram followers for purchasing a dog with cropped ears, after posting a snap of himself posing with the pooch

However, what was intended to be a heartwarming snap beckoned ire from a faction of his 2 million followers as they expressed outrage at Elvis’ cropped ears.

‘Will be unfollowing,’ wrote one horrified fan. ‘Dog ears are cropped….it’s illegal in the uk. Dogs are getting imported like this. Sad as.’ (sic)

Wrote another: ‘The fact you an animal with cropped ears is disgusting you should be ashamed of yourself! It’s abuse.’ 

‘Who ever cropped this digs ears should be reported for cruelty,’ stated a third. ‘It is not ok to chop dogs ears.’ (sic) 

Out and about: On Saturday, Jack was seen out and abut with Elvis – who is a Cane Corso, an Italian breed of mastiff – with a pal and his pet pooch

Out and about: On Saturday, Jack was seen out and abut with Elvis – who is a Cane Corso, an Italian breed of mastiff – with a pal and his pet pooch

What was intended to be a heartwarming snap beckoned ire from a faction of his 2 million followers as they expressed outrage at Elvis' cropped ears

What was intended to be a heartwarming snap beckoned ire from a faction of his 2 million followers as they expressed outrage at Elvis’ cropped ears

Another ranted: ‘These people just don’t get it! ok your dog is loved and very well looked after which is great, but he was an import from Russia! Didn’t want to ‘rescue’ a dog from the UK? Oh wait we don’t crop ears here so you had to import.’

Leading animal rights organisation the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) added to the chorus of criticism.

PETA’s Director Elisa Allen told MailOnline: ‘While it is the breeder who was likely responsible – not Jack – PETA urges him to use his huge social media platform to speak out against this cruel practice… 

‘[Jack should] let his fans know he does not endorse ear-cropping, a painful mutilation that involves cutting off the majority of a dog’s enervated, extremely sensitive ear and taping the remnants into an unnatural shape for aesthetic reasons.

Best friend: Jack's pooch was seen lavishing him with affection on Instagram stories on Sunday

Dreams: Elvis laid on Jack's chest as he spoke about dreams

Best friend: Jack’s pooch was seen lavishing him with affection on Instagram stories on Sunday

‘Dogs “talk” to their human companions and other dogs with their ears, so hacking them off not only is traumatic but also robs them of a vital means of expression and communication as well as a way of maintaining balance.

‘Although the cruel practice is rightly banned in the UK, reports indicate an alarming increase in the number of dogs with cropped ears – people either send the animals abroad to be maimed or purchase and import them from breeders who have already mutilated their ears.

‘For this reason, PETA joins the RSPCA and every other animal protection advocate in calling for a ban on the importation of dogs with cropped ears, which would send a strong message to breeders and the public that maiming dogs for vanity is unacceptable. 

‘Dogs love humans regardless of the way we look – we’d do well to extend the same kindness to them.

No romance: The TV personality, who once dated fellow Love Island star Dani Dyer, even joked on Sunday morning that caring for his dog has left him with no room for romance

No romance: The TV personality, who once dated fellow Love Island star Dani Dyer, even joked on Sunday morning that caring for his dog has left him with no room for romance

Jack has yet to address the criticisms that have rolled in, though he did take to his Instagram Stories to share footage of himself lounging with Elvis who is a Cane Corso, an Italian breed of mastiff.

The TV personality, who once dated fellow Love Island star Dani Dyer, even joked on Sunday morning that caring for his dog has left him with no room for romance. 

Over the summer, Jack revealed that he had got Elvis from Russia, after he was imported by Protection Dogs World. 

What is ear cropping and why is it banned?  

The procedure dates back thousands of years and was originally performed on working dogs to prevent risk of ear infection and other potential health risks.

Historically it has also been adopted by owners who breed the animal specifically for hunting and dog-fighting.  

More recently the procedure has been adopted for cosmetic purposes and in countries where it remains legal is commonly applied as a breeding standard for dog shows. 

The operation is usually carried out on pups between the ages of 7 to 12 weeks. 

However it can cause great pain and increased pain memory if conducted on dogs over the age of 16 weeks.

It is currently banned in all countries that consent to the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. 

It is, however, still practised across the United States. 

e also shares his home home with bulldog Sandy, who he bought during his relationship with Dan, 24.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Jack Fincham for comment.

Ear cropping, which dates back thousands of years, was originally performed on working dogs to prevent risk of ear infection and other potential health risks, but has also been adopted by owners who breed the animal specifically for hunting and dog-fighting. 

The cruel procedure, known as docking, is illegal in the UK under the Animal Welfare Act unless it is carried out for medical reasons.

The RSPCA says ear-cropping is on the increase despite being illegal, claiming pet owners are encouraged by celebrities who have cropped dogs.

The charity warns the procedure is painful and unnecessary and affects the way dogs hear and communicate.

Celebrities including Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock and former England footballer Andy Carroll and his wife, former TOWIE star Billi Mucklow have been criticised for showing off dogs with cropped ears.

Taking to Instagram last year, Leigh-Anne was slammed by fans after sharing a snap of herself and cropped dog Kyro.  

Jordan Banjo also addressed comments followers who questioned why he has got a dog with cropped ears, after he introduced Sergio on Instagram. 

The Diversity star, 27, shared a picture of Sergio sitting in a field earlier this week, as he revealed they had added a new addition to their family.

However, many fans noted Sergio’s ears, which had been cropped, and Jordan was quick to assure fans it was not him who had cut the dog’s ears.

The government is now considering banning the import of dogs with cropped ears, according to The Telegraph

A Defra spokesperson told the paper: ‘Now we have left the EU we have the opportunity to manage our own rules applying to pet travel movements into Great Britain including considering the ban of imports of dogs with cropped ears.’

Own goal: Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow have also shared photos of their cropped puppy Bane on social media

Own goal: Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow have also shared photos of their cropped puppy Bane on social media

Under fire: Other stars to come under fire for showing off cropped dogs include Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford

Under fire: Other stars to come under fire for showing off cropped dogs include Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford

Controversy: Celebrities including Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock have been criticised for showing off dogs with cut ears, a procedure banned in the United Kingdom

Controversy: Celebrities including Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock have been criticised for showing off dogs with cut ears, a procedure banned in the United Kingdom