Pet fair ejects Chinese man who boasted his dog was tattooed without anaesthetic

A hairless dog covered in colourful tattoos at Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai has sparked public outrage after its owner claimed the animal was inked without anaesthetic.

On August 22, a video posted by someone attending the fair, one of the largest pet industry events in Asia, showed a Mexican hairless dog, the age of which was not disclosed, covered in large, colourful tattoos.

The video showed an elaborate dragon tattoo extending from the dog’s back to its upper limbs. The dog was also wearing a gold chain and a wristwatch.

Eyewitnesses said that the owner encouraged people to take photos and claimed that no anaesthetic was used during the tattooing. He even lifted the dog by the scruff of the neck while telling onlookers: “See? It does not hurt at all. It feels nothing.”

However, visitors hit back on social media, saying the dog appeared visibly distressed.

“It looked terrified the whole time,” one person wrote.

“It would not even eat snacks offered by other booth operators,” added another.

Some also claimed they saw injuries on the dog’s legs.

In response, event organisers banned the tattooed canine’s owner from entering the venue.

Lv, the tattoo artist who did the work, told Phoenix Publishing and Media Group that the tattoo was applied in June last year.

Although he initially refused the request, the dog’s owner insisted, claiming that the Mexican hairless breed has less sensitivity to pain.

After repeated pleas, Lv finally agreed to perform the procedure at a pet hospital.

“He said the dog was like his child and would look cooler with a tattoo,” Lv said, adding that he did not consider it animal abuse at the time, though he was concerned about the dog’s recovery afterwards.

Lv said disposable tools were used and discarded immediately after the session. He said the pet was given a liquid anaesthetic injection beforehand.

Throughout the process, the owner comforted the dog while a veterinarian handled disinfection and provided guidance.

“I sincerely apologise for any harm caused to the dog or to viewers online. It was unintentional,” Lv added.

Another tattoo artist expressed disbelief that a dog could endure repeated needle pricks.

“Areas with thinner skin, like the wrist, are more painful because there is less fat and muscle, and more nerve endings. Tattoos in those areas are significantly more painful,” the artist said.

The incident quickly went viral, with many netizens condemning the owner’s actions.

One person angrily said: “What do you mean by low pain sensitivity? If I inject you with anaesthetic and slice you open, would that be OK too?”

“This is clearly abuse. Even with low pain tolerance, it still hurts. You are just taking advantage of the dog’s inability to speak!” said another.

While a third wrote: “This owner is inhumane. What a horrible person. The poor dog is so unlucky to have ended up with someone like this.”

According to a report by iiMedia Research, China’s pet industry has grown rapidly and is projected to reach a market value of 811 billion yuan (US$115 billion) by 2025.

China’s current Wild Animal Protection Law only offers legal protection to wildlife, leaving domestic and stray animals largely unprotected. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST