Chinese zoo sparks outcry with dyed ‘panda dogs’

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CHINA, May 11: In a controversial development, a zoo in China has come under scrutiny for allegedly attempting to deceive visitors by showcasing a pair of dogs dyed black and white to resemble panda bears.

Footage circulating on Chinese social media platforms depicts the two canines, dubbed “panda dogs,” housed in an enclosure at Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu province. Despite the zoo’s efforts to pattern the dogs’ fur to mimic the distinctive appearance of pandas, their wagging tails betray their true identity.

Officials from the zoo informed Chinese state media that the animals in question are Chow Chows, a fluffy dog breed native to northern China. They admitted to painting the dogs black and white to create a panda-like appearance but maintained that they had transparently advertised them as “panda dogs” without making any false representations.

Despite the criticism leveled against the zoo, the dogs remain on display, with zoo officials confirming that visitor numbers have not significantly deviated from normal levels.

While some defended the exhibit as harmless, stating that the dogs had not been mistreated, others voiced concerns about animal welfare and ethical considerations. Criticism mounted on social media platforms, with one commenter on Weibo expressing disdain for the practice, citing potential harm to the dogs’ sensitive skin and thick coats.

This is not the first instance of “panda dogs” sparking controversy in China. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including a dog cafe in Sichuan province and a viral video featuring a dyed Chow Chow mistaken for a panda.

Beyond the realm of faux pandas, other zoos in China have faced allegations of showcasing counterfeit animals, often involving dogs masquerading as wolves or African felines. Last year, a zoo in Zhejiang province refuted claims that its Malayan sun bears were disguised humans, debunking viral videos purportedly showing a bear standing upright like a person.

As discussions surrounding animal welfare and authenticity continue to gain traction, such incidents raise questions about the ethical boundaries of zoological exhibitions and the treatment of animals in captivity.

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