Over the last 3 years or so, China has seen the rise of a new and disturbing kind of pet trade. Since the beginning of the Year of the Tiger, street vendors have been selling puppies with striped fur, resembling the rare Bengal tiger. These aptly named "Bengal dogs" were the cause of much debate after pictures of them were posted online, as to whether their unique pattern was real, dyed on or Photoshopped
Now, the truth has come out. The dogs' stripes are spray painted on their fur, so that traders can sell them for a big profit to those who believe the story of the Bengal dogs. But the trade isn't just an unfair business. It is actually highly dangerous for the dogs, who've earned another nickname: "one week puppies". This title represents their poor health, which deteriorates due to the puppies' licking the paint, thus inserting toxic chemicals into their bodies
Health officials in China have tried to challenge this hideous little industry, increasingly popular in the country, with a public anouncement regarding the hazardous varnish's effects on children playing with the dyed dogs. But it is simply not enough to eliminate the Bengal dog market. Please take a moment of your time to address Chinese authorities in a request to fight against the painted dog trade, save the puppies from a short life of misery, and bring the immoral vendors to justice
