Joey Essex has decided against adopting a dog upon learning the pooch had its ears cropped.
The I’m A Celebrity star, 32, announced on social media that he had welcomed the “newest member” of his family by sharing a snap of a Doberman.
But it wasn’t long before many of Joey’s 1.8 million followers rushed to the comments to point out that the pet had been subject of ear cropping – a painful procedure that involves a dog’s outer ears being cut off or removed completely.
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The procedure is intended to keep a dogs ears upright rather than flop down as usual and is purely done to make the dog look more fierce and intimidating.
(Image: Getty Images for BET)
There is no evidence of any benefits to ear cropping and the procedure, in whole or in part, is illegal in England.
Joey has since deleted the snap of the pup from his social media and has now decided not to adopt the dog because he doesn’t want to “justify” the cruel procedure.
The TOWIE star told Mail Online: “I really wanted to give the dog a home, I fell in love with him.”
He added: “But me taking him on as a pet would justify this cruel procedure, which will give the wrong message to my fans and followers.”
The former reality star assured: “I’m an animal lover.”
Joey shot to fame when he was just 21 after joining the cast of The Only Way is Essex alongside his cousin, Chloe Sims.
He went on to have a fully fledged career in reality TV, appearing on the 13th series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here as well as the Australian version earlier this year.
(Image: PA)
The former reality star also appeared on the first series of Splash! and won the Channel 4 series, The Jump in 2015.
Joey recently revealed that he has earned enough money to retire, but admitted he loves working too much.
He told The Sun: “I quite enjoy my job so it’s never really about the money, it’s always about keeping myself busy and just being happy,” adding: “I am only 32 – the best is yet to come.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
