Animal Lovers Blast Dog Owner Who Dyes Her Puppies To Look Like Pandas
Animal lovers and welfare groups have condemned a woman who has dyed her three pet dogs to look like baby pandas.
Meng Jiang caused quite a stir when she was spotted walking her adorable Chow Chow pups - named Tudou, YuMi and DouDou - through the streets of Singapore.
Onlookers thought she was walking tiny pandas on a lead but it turned out she had simply used black dye around the dogs’ eyes, ears, legs and tails to create the distinctive look.
The pups have become immensely popular in the country but animal rights campaigners said that they were being “abused” by Meng.
And now the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has also criticised the practice of dying fur.
They said in a statement: “SPCA is strongly against such a practice and would advise pet owners to refrain from altering their pet’s appearance in this way, because it is unnatural and unnecessary.
“There are also potential side effects with no benefits to the animals - it can be physically harmful and subject the animal to stress in the process.
“Animals have natural coats and should be appreciated for what they are, rather than trying to alter them artificially.”
Purebreed: A Chow Chow as it usually looks (Rex)
The group added that they were “unaware” of any law that prohibits the dyeing of pet’s fur.
Owner Meng, who also rents out the purebred dogs for photoshoots, defended her actions, saying that the dye was “safe”.
She said: "While people enjoy watching them walking on the streets, some have come to me asking if the colour around their eyes and ears are safe.
“I want to tell everyone that the dye used is professional dog hair dye and is 100% organic, non-toxic and safe for dogs.
"The ingredients used in the dye consists of purified water and food dye colourants that are approved by the Personal Care Products Council here.
“A patch test is always done before applying the dye on the dogs.”
Meng said she does everything to make her pets comfortable, taking them to regular grooming sessions where they get hair trims, ear and tooth cleaning, blow dries and even massages.
Despite her assurances, a petition has been set up to “stop the ill-treatment” of the Chow Chows.
It urges Meng to recognise “the serious health risks she is putting her dogs through, and stops her hazardous practice as soon as possible”.
The petition has so far received over 1,900 signatures.
Top pic: Caters
