Chinese zoo under fire after dyeing dogs to resemble pandas

A zoo in China has sparked controversy by exhibiting two dogs dyed to resemble pandas, drawing criticism for potentially misleading visitors and mistreating the animals. Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu province unveiled the “panda dogs” on May 1, attracting attention on Chinese social media platforms.

Despite their black and white panda-like appearance, the wagging tails of the dogs betray their true identity. Zoo officials confirmed that the animals are actually Chow Chows, a fluffy dog breed native to northern China, which were painted to mimic giant pandas. They maintained that the exhibit was transparently advertised as showcasing “panda dogs” and denied making any false claims.

Criticism of the zoo’s actions emerged, with concerns raised about the welfare of the dogs and accusations of deceptive practices to attract tourists. Commentators on platforms like Weibo highlighted the potential harm to the dogs’ skin and health due to the dyeing process.

Zoo representatives defended their decision, arguing that dyeing dogs is comparable to humans dyeing their hair and asserting that the dogs had not suffered any harm. However, the controversy has reignited discussions about animal welfare and ethics in China, particularly concerning the use of animals for entertainment purposes.

This is not the first instance of “panda dogs” causing controversy in China. Similar incidents in the past, including at a dog cafe and in other zoos, have raised concerns about animal rights and ethical treatment. The case underscores broader issues surrounding the treatment of animals in captivity and the need for greater awareness of animal welfare standards.