Cafe Owner Dyes His Dogs To Make Them Look Like Pandas, Faces Backlash

A Chinese cafe has stirred a controversy after its owner dyed six Chow Chow dogs to resemble pandas.

Located in Chengdu in southwest China, the cafe named Cute Pet Games is garnering criticism with people showing concern for the dogs as a dye job can be harmful to them.

The owner of the cafe, surnamed Huang, had earlier claimed that the dyeing the dogs cost 1500 yuan ($212) each, but denied offering the service to other customers. "A tube of dye alone costs 800 yuan ($113)," Huang said.

The dye was imported from Japan and he clarified that it was not harmful to the dogs.

Huang told the Daily Mail that the pets had been ‘pandarised’ with organic coloring. "Dyeing dogs to make them look like pandas is already very popular overseas. It is controversial in China because it is not commonly seen," he said.

"The dye that was used on the dogs was tailor-made for them and 100 per cent safe," Huang said. "Therefore, we bought the dye and hired specialists to put them on the dogs."

He wanted his cafe to stand out from other pet cafes and shops.

The controversy began after the cafe’s staff uploaded a clip of its famous 'panda dogs' to attract customers.

"Those who really love dogs will not let dogs be dyed," a user commented. "I have seen dogs losing their ears as a result of it."

"Dyeing hair may be fashionable, but only for humans who willingly get it done," a PETA spokesperson said.

"I think the critics are too superficial and they don't understand the trend," Huang said. "If the mankind can pursue beauty, then so can pets."