Is it illegal to crop your pit bull's ears yourself?

I don't know if it is officially illegal, but why would you do it? When cropping a dogs' ears, they're taking to the vet and put under anesthetic, so they don't feel pain.
Some people chop their dogs ears off or cut them off with scissors are being very stupid; the dogs are in pain for days and the ears don't heal properly.
Please, If you get your dog's ears cropped--go to a vet.
Besides, if someone finds out you cut your dog's ears off you can get in deep trouble; it is considered animal cruelty.