Men In China Tattoos His Dog And Shows Off at Pet Expo, Sparking Controversy

A man in Shanghai has sparked widespread outrage after displaying his hairless dog with a large, elaborate tattoo covering its back at a Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai, China.

The drama started at the fair, when attendees noticed a Mexican hairless dog with intricate dragon tattoo spanning most of its body.

The animal, even had a gold chain around his neck, and a gold watch strapped around his paw, as he was paraded around the venue by its owner.

Within hours, images and videos of the dog circulated widely on Chinese social media platforms, drawing strong condemnation from animal lovers and members of the public.

Many commenters labeled the act “blatant animal abuse” and demanded action against both the owner and the tattooist.

Dispute Over Anaesthetic

The controversy deepened after the dog’s owner claimed publicly that no anaesthetic was used during the tattoo procedure.

One of the videos uploaded online showed the owner lifting the dog by its neck while remarking

“See? It does not hurt at all. It feels nothing.”

But Netizens were not amused. It was also reported that the event organizers have since barred the man from re-entering the venue, according to a report from SCMP.

Tattoo Artist Defends Procedure

According to Lv, the tattoo artist who conducted the body art for the canine, the tattoo was done in June last year at a pet hospital.

Lv told local media that he initially refused the owner’s request, but relented after the owner reportedly argued that the Mexican hairless breed is less sensitive to pain.

The owner also claimed that the dog was like his own child, and he would look cooler with tattoos.

The artist claims a liquid anaesthetic was administered under veterinary supervision and that sterilization protocols were followed.

Disposable tools were used and discarded after the session. Lv said the owner comforted the animal throughout the process and that a veterinarian oversaw disinfection and provided guidance.

In retrospect, LV said

“I did not consider it abuse at the time, although i did worried about the dog's recovery."

Public Condemnation

The explanation has done little to quell backlash online. Thousands of netizens have described the act as cruel and unnecessary, calling for both the dog owner and the tattoo artist to face legal consequences.

Some animal welfare advocates have even urged authorities to remove the pet from its owner’s custody, highlighting the lack of clear protections in China’s current animal welfare framework.

As the images continue to circulate, the incident has reignited a broader conversation about animal rights, responsible pet care, and the boundaries of human self-expression at the expense of animals.