A local man was removed from a pet exhibition in Shanghai after his dog was seen with full-body tattoos and gold accessories, with the photos going viral on Xiaohongshu (XHS).
The incident happened during Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai on Aug 22, one of the largest pet industry events in Asia.
Dog allegedly tattooed without anaesthetics
According to South China Morning Post, visitors at the event were alarmed when the owner openly stated that his dog received the tattoos without any anesthesia.
The dog, a Mexican hairless breed, also wore a thick gold chain and a wristwatch while resting at the booth.
The owner even lifted the dog by its loose back skin and told the crowds, “See? It doesn’t hurt. The dog feels nothing.”
However, eyewitnesses at the pet fair said the dog appeared frightened and avoided food and treats offered from nearby booths. Some even claimed they saw injuries on its legs.
In response to the backlash, organisers banned the owner from entering the venue for the rest of the event.
Tattoo artist defends procedure
The tattooist, identified only as Lv, later told Phoenix Publishing and Media Group that the tattoo was done in June last year.
Lv shared that the owner had begged him to do it, saying the dog was like a child to him and that it would “look cooler” with tattoos.
According to him, the tattoo session took place at a pet hospital with proper tools and a veterinarian on site.
He also refuted the dog owner’s claims, saying the animal was given a liquid anesthetic before the tattooing began, and that all equipment was properly disposed of afterward.
He added that he did not consider it abuse at the time but became worried about the dog’s recovery after the procedure.
“I sincerely apologise for any harm caused to the dog or to viewers online. It was unintentional.”
Unfortunately, little action is expected to be taken by the authorities as China’s current Wild Animal Protection Law only offers legal protection to wildlife and not for domestic and stray animals.
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