A zoo in China has been widely criticized for allegedly dyeing Chow Chow dogs black and orange to resemble tigers. Footage shared on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, shows the dogs with bright orange fur and black stripes inside wooden enclosures.
They quickly pointed out the deception for the online user. One of them questioned, “Isn’t that just a dog?” Another one quipped, “They definitely don’t dare to bathe their dogs for fear of discoloration.” A third one joked, “A big tiger with a dog-like temper!”
The Qinhu Bay Forest Animal Kingdom in Taizhou later admitted to the deed, stating it was a part of an advertisement stunt. The zoo explained in a statement to local media, “It was a native Chow Chow dyed into a ‘tiger dog’, not a tiger.” Additionally, they put the public’s mind at ease saying the colour dye used did not harm the dogs.
It is not the first time the zoo has been accused of such behavior. Last year, it reportedly dyed dogs to look like pandas, even trimming their fur to resemble the bear’s distinctive appearance. Responding to the criticism, officials said, “There are no panda bears at the zoo and we wanted to do this as a result.”
A zoo spokesperson argued that it is like a human coloring his hair. “People also dye their hair,” they said, and continued to add, “Natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur.”
It’s not the first controversy the Shanwei Zoo has had in recent months; it also caused an outcry after painting its dogs last year to resemble pandas. Some visitors asked for their money back over the deception.