Do you consider this a form of animal abuse?

[jooxis]

Picture 1 (http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/jul2009/6/1/image-2-for-cindy-the-ever-changing-poodle-gallery-56803405.jpg)
Picture 2 (http://365pwords.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/leonardoodle.jpg)
Picture 3 (http://nationalpostnews.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/0608-tiger.jpg)

Yes/No/Why?

[HystericalParoxysm]

As long as the dyes used are safe and the animal isn't distressed or harmed by the process, I don't see a problem with it. It's silly, but pets usually enjoy attention, and poodles already look ridiculous, so it's not like it's going to be a huge insult to their dignity - they don't have any left as it is.

[Nekowolf]

I have to agree with HP; as long as the dyes are safe and there's no harm to them in the process or afterwards, then it's fine.

[el_flel]

Same as above. Providing it doesn't cause the dogs harm I don't really see how this is any different to putting your pet in clothes. Those pictures are hilarious though, I can't imagine wanting to do that to my pet but obviously those people do!

[lovetadraw]

JA! :wtf: I'd never do that to any of my cats.

[Safyre420]

I agree with what's already been said, I certainly <3 the tiger looking one lol

[RoseCity]

It isn't animal abuse so much as human idiocy.

[Neerie]

Like it was mentionned before, as long as the dog is not distressed by the process and the dyes are safe, I wouldn't consider that animal abuse.

On the other hand, here is what I consider animal abuse... similar result, VERY different process:
Picture 1 (http://badmanstropicalfish.com/discus/messages/231/53104.jpg)
Picture 2 (http://www.petpig.com/fish/fish/Glass-Fish.jpg)
Picture 3 (http://m.blog.hu/di/diszallat/image/festett/tattooed%20parrot%20fish.jpg)

[robokitty]

I consider it LOL-worthy.


On top of that, I disagree with the fact that some animals, based on "cuteness factor" are given more rights than others. If it's okay for me to kill and eat a cow, it's okay for me to make my poodle look absolutely ridiculous.

[fakepeeps7]

It's silly, but pets usually enjoy attention, and poodles already look ridiculous, so it's not like it's going to be a huge insult to their dignity - they don't have any left as it is.

Our dog didn't seem to like the attention she got when we dressed her up in silly costumes (my sister and I were just kids when we got her, so there were still lots of doll clothes available). But then, she was only part poodle, so I guess she thought she still had some dignity.

Honestly, the groomers used to make her look sillier than we ever could. She used to come home with little bows on the top of her head. Personally, I think she felt kind of silly. I always got kind of a tomboy vibe from her. If she'd had thumbs, I think she would've pulled that bow off and peed on it.

[HystericalParoxysm]

Heh, well, I suppose it depends on the individual animal. If they don't like the attention and they don't want to hold still for whatever you're doing to them, seems like a bad idea.

I used to dye a little stripe down my albino ferret, down the top of her head like a little mohawk. She never minded, and it was fun to have her ride on my shoulder with her matching whatever colour hair I had that month (usually fuchsia or purple). The dye didn't hurt her at all either - it was a semi-permanent (washes out eventually), the same stuff I used on my hair (and I have VERY sensitive skin) and I never got it on her actual skin, just her fur. Don't see the harm in doing stuff like that as long as the animal isn't upset by it. I don't think my ferret ever even noticed - just liked having the top of her head stroked and LOVED baths so applying it and rinsing it off was easy.

[el_flel]

My friend's chug (cross between a pug and chihuahua) LOVES wearing clothes and looks amazingly hilarious when she does. My dad's gun dogs on the other hand aren't so impressed by it!

[fragglerocks]

If I would have done that to my great grandmother's pet poodle, I wouldn't be typing this right now, as I would have no fingers.

As for being on topic, I agree with the other posters. Its okay with me as long as the dye isn't harmful, and the owner can get away without a scratch.

Don't they mostly use food coloring for this?

[TheDogma]

As a former groomer who worked with a girl who groomed her own poodle to have similar styles, it's safe.

It's usually being done for a groomers contest to show off that you have awesome skills. Since lots of these groomers eat, sleep, and breathe their contests, they wouldn't bother doing something to a dog that would hurt the dog or be permanent because then they can't use the dog for the next contest. I've seen and heard of some groomers willing to turn themselves inside-out, backwards and sideways to get an owner's permission to use a white poodle with a great coat. LOL

And the tiger dyed golden retriever was incredibly cute and creative for NOT using a white poodle. LOL

[DarkCougar555]

I respectfully disagree with those people who did to their own pets. I just think it is stupid... I feel really bad for their pets, honestly. Well, what would I do? There is nothing I can do about it cos it's a pet owner's decision. Not mine... So I don't consider it is an abuse if it is not a toxic or anything. I'm cool with it.

[missy harries]

People have always dye'd poodle's (pink candyfloss fluff!) and nobody complained about that so why start now, they're just extreme examples which will obviously draw attention. People like to decorate themselves and people who love they're pets like to decorate them too.

[simbalena]

It's usually being done for a groomers contest to show off that you have awesome skills. Since lots of these groomers eat, sleep, and breathe their contests, they wouldn't bother doing something to a dog that would hurt the dog or be permanent because then they can't use the dog for the next contest.

They can still be mean to the dog like stage mothers can be mean to their kids. Dogs will tolerate a lot before they complain.

I think comfortable clothes are fine, and a bit of colour somewhere they don't lick frequently is fine, but I don't like the idea of such a thick layer of colour covering their whole body even if it is non-toxic.

[longears15]

I'd agree with those who say it's a display of human idiocy rather than one of animal abuse. I don't agree with it, but it's not harming the animal and I'm sure somehow that they've no concept of of how silly they often look. I actually have less of a problem with this than with dog clothing... There are some exceptions - for example my old dog had very short, thin hair and felt the cold badly so I had a rug made up for him, and another of my dogs has paw problems, so wears boots to go walking (she is walked on grass, rocky ground and unmade roads) - but I honestly want to slap people who dress their dogs up in little 'cutesy' costumes and the like. They're members of the family, they're important companions, but they're dogs for crying out loud...they're not accessories or toys, they're not kids, they're animals - treat them as such.

[simbalena]

My chihuahuas need to wear coats and jumpers in winter and they like wearing them because I make sure they're comfortable, but they get very irritated if they have to wear a collar so what is right for each dog really depends on their individual needs and preferences.

I always thought I might colour my dog if I had one in a light colour, but now I have one that is black and white and I just can't do it to her because she has a sensitive personality and would get concerned about it. However if I had a fearless little boof head dog I might do it for a laugh.

Rather than making your dog look weird it's much better to get a naturally weird looking dog, like the hungarian puli that used to walk around my neighbourhood in dreadlock pigtails. That was natural (dreadlocks) and necessary (pigtails so it could see) and yet super cute!

[longears15]

That's the sort of exception I mean - if you're putting a coat on a dog because of cold/wet weather that's one thing. It's the people who dress their animals in this sort of crap (http://shop.ebay.com.au/i.html?Clothing%2520Type=Dresses&_nkw=dog%20clothing&_dmpt=AU_Pet_Supplies&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282) who really annoy me.

As far as your last point goes - I have to strongly disagree. I loathe people who buy animals because of their appearance because so often that's the only motivation - they've no real concept of the breed's particular personality or needs and the animal suffers as a result. It's a whole separate debate topic, but a prime example here would be the Alaskan Malamute. They became very popular because they're such an attractive dog, but very few people buying them have any idea what they're dealing with. I met dozens upon dozens of them through vet school and I could count on one hand the number without behavioural problems, for the very reason I've just given.

[jooxis]

but I honestly want to slap people who dress their dogs up in little 'cutesy' costumes and the like. They're members of the family, they're important companions, but they're dogs for crying out loud...they're not accessories or toys, they're not kids, they're animals - treat them as such.

Yeah I hate dog clothing too. Obviously some people are using their animals for personal amusement rather than treating them as living things. It's not exactly "abuse" if the animal isn't being hurt but this kind of crap (http://site.unbeatablesale.com/img053/mrrs17263.jpg) really makes me facepalm. It's not cute or funny.

[simbalena]

As far as your last point goes - I have to strongly disagree. I loathe people who buy animals because of their appearance because so often that's the only motivation - they've no real concept of the breed's particular personality or needs and the animal suffers as a result.

Yes I agree that the look of an animal should definitely not be the main reason for getting it. Even though I remember how cute the dreadlock dog was I could never get one here as it isn't suited to our environment. Dog breeding is often animal cruelty and buying pets that are not appropriate for their environment is animal cruelty.

Last summer here it got to 46 degrees centigrade (115 degrees Fahrenheit) and animals were dropping dead. Especially those with short noses like pugs and persians.

I guess when you put it into perspective grooming a dog to look like a freak is nothing compared to how some animals are treated. They're lucky compared to many others. (i.e. tortured, vivisection, neglected, skinned alive, chimps used as crash test dummies).

The world is fucked. :cry:

[clsin]

http://abcnews.go.com/International/slideshow/china-painted-dogs-10864603
The pets aren't physically harm during their "make over", however, I believe they aren't going to be happy.
I was wondering if these dogs walk on the street, will some other dogs laugh at their hideous look!?

[WayBack]

...poodles already look ridiculous, so it's not like it's going to be a huge insult to their dignity - they don't have any left as it is.

I used to think the same until I got a poodle as a gift. He was fluffy, but in his chest beated a heart of a German Shepherd. He was brave, athletic, self-assured and putting him into silly costumes was out of the question. I loved how his looks were deceiving. In a way, he gave me a lesson, never underestimate the cute guys ;)

Anyway, to the topic, I wouldn't call it abuse. But I think it's disrespectful, I would never do anything like that to my pet.

[fakepeeps7]

It's not exactly "abuse" if the animal isn't being hurt but this kind of crap (http://site.unbeatablesale.com/img053/mrrs17263.jpg) really makes me facepalm. It's not cute or funny.

I disagree. I almost had smoothie come out of my nose when I saw that picture. :lol:

That said, the owners may find out really quickly that the dog may look cute in a still photograph, but he won't walk anywhere like that. Some dogs won't walk if they're wearing pants. If you think about it, the sensation must be very strange for them...

[clockworkapple]

I have greyhounds and sphynx cats, so, I sometimes put clothing on them in the winter. The cats know how to take the clothes off.

Sometimes I put big sleeping tshirts on my dogs instead of the jackets

but one of my dogs pees alllllll over it :rofl:

[kattenijin]

All I can say is that last year around Halloween I ran a costume shop. My biggest request? Costumes for dogs. Could NOT keep them in stock.

[Chasing_Sanity]

The traditional poodle cut actually serves a purpose. The standard poodle is a gun-dog, and the 'poofs' of hair keep their vital organs warm in cold water, but the rest is shaven to keep the animal light while swimming.

My dog (Border collie X) adore being dyed. She sits totally still while the dye is setting and prances around afterwards "showing off".

As for 'looking silly', people put to many human emotions on animals.

[el_flel]

One word: Puchi.

[SuicidiaParasidia]

It isn't animal abuse so much as human idiocy.

because this needs to be said again. even if its just in a quote box.

[Neerie]

New human idiocy on TLC (http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/extreme-poodles/)

Now I don't know what's worse: this or Todlers & Tiaras... though I think I'll still consider pressuring kids into padgents as more idiotic and selfish than extreme dog grooming.

[fakepeeps7]

Now I don't know what's worse: this or Todlers & Tiaras... though I think I'll still consider pressuring kids into padgents as more idiotic and selfish than extreme dog grooming.

I agree. Dogs won't develop a huge ego if you give them a pompadour and dye them pink. And when's the last time you saw a dog (even a pampered dog) throw a tantrum because they didn't get their way?

[Oaktree]

And when's the last time you saw a dog (even a pampered dog) throw a tantrum because they didn't get their way?

When we leave my dog alone in the house, she sometimes decides to get into a trash can and scatter its contents all over the place. She knows it's wrong because she's hiding when we come back, but she's throwing a tantrum because we aren't spending enough time with her.

Just saying...dogs can have personality issues too. :p

[paksetti]

I bought a t-shirt for my dog to help protect her sensitive skin from the sun (you can't exactly put sunscreen on her) and she goes NUTS for it. It's like the leash, whenever you pick it up she gets so excited-- it's hilarious.

A lot of asinine things people do to their dogs are harmful, however. I've heard that a lot of pet supply store owners are getting requests for vegetarian dog food- of course, any respectable person will say no because dogs. need. meat.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to pamper your dog, but some people take it too far.

[fakepeeps7]

A lot of asinine things people do to their dogs are harmful, however. I've heard that a lot of pet supply store owners are getting requests for vegetarian dog food- of course, any respectable person will say no because dogs. need. meat.

Actually, they don't. Maybe it's a result of living with humans for so long and eating more of what we eat, but dogs can survive (and thrive) on a well-balanced vegetarian diet.

Cats, on the other hand, are obligate carnivores. Forcing them to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle could lead to some serious problems.

[paksetti]

http://www.thepetcenter.com/article.aspx?id=3408

They can survive on a diet of either plant or animal origin if it is balanced and diverse. But to thrive and not merely survive, dogs should have a source of animal protein - MEAT - in their diets.
Dogs need meat, vegetables to be healthy, but it is true they can "survive" off of veggies.
One of my dogs eats a mix of green beans, and dry food because she's overweight, if she ate just green beans, she'd get sick.

[fakepeeps7]

if she ate just green beans, she'd get sick.

So would most humans. :)

[paksetti]

Yes. Most critters need balanced diets. People can get along on vegetarian diets because they have so many other protein options, dogs don't.

[fakepeeps7]

Yes. Most critters need balanced diets. People can get along on vegetarian diets because they have so many other protein options, dogs don't.

I'd have to disagree with you there. Dogs don't eat solely animal protein. That's why there was that big scare with pet food: manufacturers were using wheat gluten tainted with melamine. Now, wheat gluten isn't something that dogs eat in the wild, I'm sure. But it's high in protein, which is why it's a staple in so many vegetarian diets.

Dogs have options because we give them options. Could they survive on a vegetarian diet in the wild? Most likely not; they wouldn't be able to get all of their required nutrients. But when they have humans taking care of them, they're much more likely to meet those nutritional requirements. If they're missing out on some nutrient (amino acid, vitamin, mineral, etc.), we can get it for them. Just like we do for ourselves.

I'm not saying that feeding a dog a vegetarian diet is ideal. But they're not going to drop dead from a well-balanced one, either, any more than a human would. They're domesticated creatures... not wild wolves.

[Vanito]

I'd have to disagree with you there. Dogs don't eat solely animal protein. That's why there was that big scare with pet food: manufacturers were using wheat gluten tainted with melamine. Now, wheat gluten isn't something that dogs eat in the wild, I'm sure. But it's high in protein, which is why it's a staple in so many vegetarian diets.

Dogs have options because we give them options. Could they survive on a vegetarian diet in the wild? Most likely not; they wouldn't be able to get all of their required nutrients. But when they have humans taking care of them, they're much more likely to meet those nutritional requirements. If they're missing out on some nutrient (amino acid, vitamin, mineral, etc.), we can get it for them. Just like we do for ourselves.

I'm not saying that feeding a dog a vegetarian diet is ideal. But they're not going to drop dead from a well-balanced one, either, any more than a human would. They're domesticated creatures... not wild wolves.
Making a cat vegetarian, now that would be animal abuse!

[longears15]

Actually, although it's far from the ideal (and being a vet the idea makes me cringe and want to throw things at anyone who suggests it's a good idea), a dog can survive on a vegetarian diet. Most dogs love vegetables - my own get a mix of a balanced homemade food (meat/rice/veg/fat/vitamins/minerals and dry dog food) and they've never been so well. But - they've evolved to get most of their protein from animal products...not from wheat, rice or soy.

Another big problem I can see with a vegetarian diet would be people launching into it much as they do with regular homemade diets - no idea what they're doing, no concept of how to create a balanced diet (just look at the number of vegetarians who don't know how to create a well-balanced diet for themselves!) - and the animal suffers as a result.

Cats are, as has already been stated, obligate carnivores. They require certain amino acids that they can only gain naturally from eating animal protein (taurine, which they cannot synthesise for themselves). There are vegan cat foods out there with synthetic taurine, but I wouldn't feed this to my cat. I'm strict vegetarian myself, but that's my choice and certainly not one that I'm going to impose on my animals.

[fakepeeps7]

Another big problem I can see with a vegetarian diet would be people launching into it much as they do with regular homemade diets - no idea what they're doing, no concept of how to create a balanced diet (just look at the number of vegetarians who don't know how to create a well-balanced diet for themselves!) - and the animal suffers as a result.

Exactly. Some people's diets could probably be considered a form of "self-harm". I've known of vegetarians who didn't even eat many vegetables; their diet consisted mostly of bread and cheese. If they can't even get it right for themselves, how on earth are they going to get it right for their pets?

[Vanito]

Exactly. Some people's diets could probably be considered a form of "self-harm". I've known of vegetarians who didn't even eat many vegetables; their diet consisted mostly of bread and cheese. If they can't even get it right for themselves, how on earth are they going to get it right for their pets?
The same way as some people survive on Kentucky Fried Chicken and Mc Donalds. People do a lot of stupid things. One woman put a dog in the microwave to dry its fur. Stupidity knows no limits.

[longears15]

Exactly. Some people's diets could probably be considered a form of "self-harm". I've known of vegetarians who didn't even eat many vegetables; their diet consisted mostly of bread and cheese. If they can't even get it right for themselves, how on earth are they going to get it right for their pets? Oh goodness yes... my brother's girlfriend was telling me the other night about how she was thinking of becoming a vegetarian and asked me what sort of foods I cook with - turned out that she won't cook tofu because it's slimy, doesn't like pulses and 'thinks that she might be allergic to soy' (just because she quite happily ate the tofu in the stir-fry I cooked the other night and pinched my supply of soy ice-cream...*head-desk*).

[fakepeeps7]

Oh goodness yes... my brother's girlfriend was telling me the other night about how she was thinking of becoming a vegetarian and asked me what sort of foods I cook with - turned out that she won't cook tofu because it's slimy, doesn't like pulses and 'thinks that she might be allergic to soy' (just because she quite happily ate the tofu in the stir-fry I cooked the other night and pinched my supply of soy ice-cream...*head-desk*).

Soy's a tough one. A lot of people take it too far and end up being soybeanarians rather than true vegetarians! :lol:

I'm not a huge fan of tofu, but some of the other soy products are pretty tasty (especially the ice cream!). Unfortunately, I actually am sensitive to soy, so it's forced me to be a bit more creative with my food choices (I'm about 90% vegan... so staying away from soy makes it tricky!).

My main beef with soy (hehe...) is that its cultivation is contributing to the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. If I don't want to kill animals by eating them, then I'd be a bit of a hypocrite if I think it's okay to destroy their homes (and probably a good number of them as well) just so I can eat a tofu hotdog.

[spotlight-shure]

I feel the same way about those pictures as I do in seeing babies and little girls forced into beauty pageants. It's degrading and disgusting that someone would wish to put them through something like that. They are human beings and animals, not dolls or mannequins.

[fthomas]

As long as the dyes used are safe and the animal isn't distressed or harmed by the process, I don't see a problem with it. It's silly, but pets usually enjoy attention, and poodles already look ridiculous, so it's not like it's going to be a huge insult to their dignity - they don't have any left as it is.

I agree with you HP.
As long as they are not distressed, its fine.

However, I still think that its important that dogs are not treated like dolls. They are living and they do have feelings.

[fakepeeps7]

However, I still think that its important that dogs are not treated like dolls. They are living and they do have feelings.

Same goes for kids.

[supersimoholic]

I think if you've "brought up" your dog wearing clothes then they wont have a problem with it, because to them it's the norm, just like collars. As for the dying, like what's already been said, as long as it's safe and the dog doesn't mind it then what's the harm? My fiancé are planning on getting a Jack Russell when we get our first place and he does think of animal clothes as cruelty, but I think little rain coats and hoodies are adorable (but trousers and shoes are just stupid) and maybe even little outfits for special occasions (like Halloween and Christmas), but like I said, Lee hates that so it's out of the question! XD

[SilentPsycho]

I would be mauled by my dog if I tried something like this. She can't stand being brushed, despite being brushed regularly since she was a puppy due to her being a long-haired breed, and every time we give her a bath she starts howling and whining like she's being murdered. We had to take her to the vet once to have her rear end shaved due to matting, and it took three of us pretty much laying on top of her to pin her down - I was holding her head and laying across her shoulders and upper chest, my mum had to lay across her lower end, and the nurse had to keep the back legs and tail still while she shaved. She also managed to get out of the muzzle three times during it.

If an animal likes being groomed and dyed, then I don't really see it as abuse. Some of the designs are very weird, but it's not my dog, and if the owner is happy and the dog doesn't mind, then it's okay.

I do like the Tiger Retriever though. That's fairly original! :D

[fakepeeps7]

I think if you've "brought up" your dog wearing clothes then they wont have a problem with it, because to them it's the norm, just like collars. ... My fiancé are planning on getting a Jack Russell when we get our first place and he does think of animal clothes as cruelty, but I think little rain coats and hoodies are adorable (but trousers and shoes are just stupid) and maybe even little outfits for special occasions (like Halloween and Christmas), but like I said, Lee hates that so it's out of the question! XD

Some dogs actually like to wear rain coats and hoodies. Our dog had fairly thin hair. If we walked her in the rain or the cold, she would end up shivering. So my mom made her a fleece sweatshirt. The dog wasn't crazy about wearing clothes... but she'd happily let us put that sweatshirt on because it kept her warm.

Think about it. Would you want to go outside, naked, in the snow, to go to the bathroom? Or would you rather at least have a shirt on?

[simbalena]

The dog wasn't crazy about wearing clothes... but she'd happily let us put that sweatshirt on because it kept her warm.


That's the same as one of our dogs, she didn't like wearing clothes until she realised that it keeps them snuggly warm. Any logical dog would do the same!

If an animal likes being groomed and dyed, then I don't really see it as abuse.

Yes most dogs seem to like having a "job", and if they are happy doing a job that consists of dressing up and posing for their owner then who are we to judge?

Even when you don't encourage it some dogs just love showing off :)