A DOG-lover is calling for licences for people who want to keep big breeds in a bid to stop irresponsible owners.
Andy Smith is calling for licences for dog owners to curb irresponsible owners of large breeds.
The 39-year-old, who owns four dogs, said that "bad owners created bad dogs".
He is one of the organisers of the Southampton Bully Link Up, a family-friendly event to highlight that bully breeds are not "bad dogs".
It comes after police raided a house in Poole Road in Woolston after reports of illegal ear cropping.
Three dogs were seized from the house on Monday due to concerns for their welfare.
An RSPCA investigation has now been launched.
The groundworker from Hythe owns three XL Bullies, a cockerpoo, three cats, and a goldfish.
He said: "I really don't agree with cropping dogs' ears, some people say it's for health and others do it for shows but my dogs will never have their ears cropped.
"If my dogs ever do have puppies, I am going to make sure that, if I sell them, they go with a written agreement that the dogs will not have their ears cropped.
"It originates from when they used to fight Pit Bulls, but it's not legal here.
"It is still legal in the US and Holland, and I do know people who have had their dog imported with cropped ears.
"I've heard that people will sometimes use underground vets to perform the illegal procedure."
Andy believes that it should be made a law to have a licence to own a big dog.
"My dogs are lovely, they're great with the kids and they're so smart," he said.
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"I've always loved bigger dogs, I think they're so clever.
"But some people just shouldn't own dogs, they can't control them.
"You don't get bad dogs, you get bad owners.
"If people were licenced, these dogs would be better looked after."
The Southampton Bully Link Up will be hosting an event in June.
The event primarily focuses on the American Bully XL and other bulldog breeds, but any dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome to attend.
The event will be raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
A date is yet to be confirmed.
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