In China, a disturbing trend is emerging among pet owners who are opting for cosmetic surgery to modify their pets’ ears to resemble Disney’s iconic Mickey Mouse. This practice, known for creating “Mickey ears,” has sparked significant concern among animal experts and activists, calling for an urgent halt to the procedure due to the physical pain and psychological distress it causes the animals.
One notable instance of this trend is an advertisement from a pet clinic in Beibei district, Chongqing, southwestern China, offering a “group purchase” deal for the procedure. Priced at 300 yuan (approximately US$40), the clinic promises to perform the surgery by the Chinese Spring Festival, subject to the “factory’s production schedule.” This advertisement has attracted widespread attention and criticism.
Liu Yundong, a dean at Loving Care International Pet Medical Centre in Beijing, explained the two-part procedure to the Post. The first involves surgically removing part of the ear under anaesthesia, lasting about 30 minutes. The second phase is more prolonged, taking 20 to 60 days, where the ears are styled to remain upright permanently. Despite its legality, this surgery is rarely performed in reputable animal hospitals in major cities but is more common in dog kennels and breeding facilities.
As veterinarians, Liu and his colleagues adhere to the principle of animal welfare and are tacitly opposed to such surgeries, considering the moral implications. The surgery not only causes physical pain and psychological torment but also carries risks associated with anaesthesia, potentially leading to lasting psychological and physical side effects.
Chen Yong, a veterinarian from Shenzhen Lianhe Pet Hospital, warns of additional dangers, including the potential for self-mutilation behavior in pets. The alteration of the natural ear structure can cause psychological issues, with some animals scratching excessively due to pain.
The trend has sparked outrage among Chinese pet lovers online, with many expressing disdain and calling it animal abuse. Comments range from questioning the morality of pet owners who opt for this surgery to suggesting they try it on themselves to understand the cruelty involved. This growing controversy highlights the need for greater awareness and stricter regulations to protect animal welfare and ethical treatment in the realm of pet care.
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