We do a lot of things to keep our pets looking purr-ty. We groom them, brush their hair, and trim their nails. We even go as far as buying them cool leashes, collars, and harnesses that we think complement their personalities.
But some people take beautifying their four-legged friends to a whole new level and do things to them that may look visually appealing, but are actually physically abusive — much like what happened to his poor kitty in Bulgaria.
However, of all the things I've ever seen done to a defenseless animal — all in the name of "beauty" — this little kitten has to be one of the saddest cases yet.
A little kitten spotted in an outdoor market in Bahrain made the news recently when her owners did what they thought was a bright idea…
When a compassionate young man saw the distressed four-month-old feline, he decided to take action. Now, animal lovers everywhere are demanding people put an end to cruel beauty regiments and dyes.
What do you think about this practice? Let us know in the comments below!
Seventeen year old Bilal Aslam was walking around the Isa Town Market in Bahrain when he spotted something shocking: a 4-month-old, bright pink kitten locked in a cage. Outraged, the teen snapped a photo of the animal and posted it on Facebook.
When Bahrain’s SPCA caught wind of the shocking photos on Facebook, they immediately responded. They staged a dramatic rescue of the cat — whom they eventually named “Pinky.”
Pinky is now being cared for and loved at a refuge in nearby Askar, and she is expected to make a full recovery. “She has been given a thorough veterinary examination, but our vet has some concerns over a possible allergic reaction to the dye that was used,” said BSPCA chairman Mahmood Faraj. “It looked like they had used wall paint. There was a pungent smell about it… It will take a few more washes before she is back to her normal color.”
When Americans learned of this story via The Great Animal Rescue Chase & Harmony Fund, many expressed their feelings on the group's Facebook page:
Unfortunately, the practice of dyeing cats is not all that uncommon — and it isn't limited to our feline friends.
Around the world, it's a very common practice to dye the fur of other animals too, like dogs, chicks, and rabbits.
According to "Dog Whisperer" Caesar Milan, hair dyes are designed for humans specifically, not animals. “Since there are people that have reported health problems using hair dye, it is only natural that a dog may have some of the same reactions. Their skin also may be more sensitive to the harsh chemicals, like ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, frequently found in human hair dyes.”
There is also a high likelihood that an animal will lick its coat while the dye is still wet, sparking all kinds of medical concerns — not to mention the psychological turmoil an animal experiences when you dye their hair.
“Pets do not understand why they are being subjected to this type of treatment, nor do they like it, because it is unnatural for them. The dog has no control over how it looks and it cannot do anything about it,” says Milan’s site.
Even farm animals are subjected to this colorful abuse. The practice of injecting chicken embryos with dye or spraying chicks with spray paint was once a very popular Easter tradition that helped farmers sell chicks.
And though most people find the practice distasteful and cruel, many people still dye their pets. Do you consider this abuse?
What do you think of dying animals? Let us know in the comments below.
Please SHARE if you think this is a practice that needs to stop!
