Pet enthusiasts are expressing a tangible backlash, with numerous individuals vocalizing their dismay over what they perceive as acts of animal maltreatment.
Emerging Trend in Chinese Pet Surgeries Sparks Concern: Advocates Call for a Halt to the ‘Mickey Ear’ Phenomenon Concerned animal lovers demand an immediate cessation to the ‘Mickey Ears’ trend.
In China, a disconcerting trend has ignited the ire of animal lovers: the practice of performing pet “Mickey Mouse ear” surgeries. This cosmetic procedure, popularized by a clinic offering group discounts, entails trimming and reshaping animals’ ears to resemble Disney’s iconic character. Experts caution against the physical pain and psychological distress inflicted on pets, urging an urgent termination of this trend.
The clinic’s promotion of the surgery ahead of the Chinese Spring Festival, coupled with references to a “factory’s” production schedule, raises additional ethical concerns. This commercialization of animal well-being serves as a stark reminder of the imperative need for reinforced safeguards for our furry companions.
As reported by the South China Morning Post, an advertisement for a pet clinic in the Beibei district of Chongqing in southwestern China, featuring a “Mickey ear” group purchase, has garnered significant attention. The offer, priced at 300 yuan (US$40) for the procedure to be conducted by the Chinese Spring Festival, is contingent on the apparent “production schedule” of the so-called “factory.”
Liu Yundong, a dean at Loving Care International Pet Medical Centre in Beijing, explained to the SCMP that “Mickey Mouse ears” surgery is not a simple procedure. It involves two stages: first, a surgery heavily reliant on anesthesia, lasting half an hour to cut and shape the ears. Subsequently, a prolonged process ensues, spanning 20-60 days, with frequent adjustments to mold the ears into a permanently upright position. This arduous process, far from a lighthearted makeover, raises serious concerns about the physical and emotional toll on our furry companions.
“It is rarely performed in pet hospitals in tier-one cities but is common in dog kennels and breeding facilities. Currently, there are no legal restrictions on this surgery in China. It’s a moral issue,” Liu said.
From the anguish of the procedures to the enduring scars of trauma, activists decry the surgery’s impact on pets, compounded by the potential anesthetic challenges.
