Animal experts are calling for an end to a worrying trend in China of pets undergoing cosmetic surgery to resemble Disney’s iconic character Mickey Mouse, reports South China Morning Mail.
An advertisement from a veterinary clinic in Chongqing’s Beibei District has attracted attention for offering a “Mickey Ear” procedure for 300 yuan (US$40), to be completed during the Chinese Spring Festival, depending on the production schedule of the clinic.
Liu Yundong, dean of Loving Care International Pet Medical Center in Beijing, explained the two-part process. First of all, it involves surgical removal under anesthesia, which takes about 30 minutes.
In the second stage, the ears are styled upright, a process that takes 20 to 60 days and requires frequent adjustments for permanent positioning.
Leading experts highlight the physical pain and emotional distress caused and demand an end to such practices.
Although it is legal to perform the procedure, reputable animal hospitals in major cities rarely perform this type of surgery on pets.
“It is rarely performed in animal hospitals in tier-one cities, but is common in dog kennels and breeding facilities. Currently, there are no legal restrictions on this operation in China. It is a moral issue,” Liu said.
“As veterinarians, we adhere to the principle of animal welfare and are not in favor of these operations. The colleagues I encounter are silently against such operations.”
He emphasized that the impact of surgery on pets includes physical pain and psychological torment, along with the risks of anesthesia, which can lead to psychological trauma and physical side effects.
