Dandelion the Dog is an internet star -- in fact, images of him have gone viral on TikTok. Why? Because his owner has
painted him bright red and made a huge show of it, turning him into an animal celebrity. But not only is this not good for her animal -- it also could be dangerous for other animals if their humans try the same thing.
Sign the petition to demand TikTok and Instagram protect pets by preventing this type of glorified animal exploitation on their platforms!His owner is pretending that this nonconsensual dye job is a sign of her love for him -- in fact, she's even going so far as to claim it's for his benefit. Supposedly, her actions will make him less likely to be stolen or hit by a vehicle.
But that's clearly not really what's going on here. This appears as though it's all part of her advertising and marketing campaign to win followers, clicks, and "likes." In fact, she's even named her Instagram account "Dan the Big Red Dog," meaning that she has her entire internet branding wrapped up in dying her dog bright colors.
This wannabe social media star has posted an endless supply of photos and videos about her unnaturally stark-red dog.
One of her recent videos hints at what her real intentions probably are. The footage starts with large text on top of her disturbingly red dog that reads: "Reasons why I dye my dog red, Part 3." You might think the caption going along with this post would then explain some of her reasons. Nope -- instead, it just reads: "
Thanks for 30 million views on our latest video," along with the hashtag #
ViralDog.
Luckily, many internet users are able to see past her self-serving popularity campaign. As one user wrote: "
colouring your dog red has nothing to do with the care you have for your dog. It is for your own self interest-to gain attention by using your dog. To be TikTok and Instagram famous."
Another Instagram user pointed out the dangers of future copycat events by other pet parents who might recklessly and irresponsibly try to paint their own animals "fun" colors. As this person wrote, "
How will you feel when someone inevitably copies what you've done but doesn't use a 'safe' dye? Will you be contributing to the vet bills when their dog has chemical burns or an allergic reaction? There isn't one legitimate reason for dying your dog, not one."
We agree with these outraged animal lovers.
It's not okay to exploit an animal for our own entertainment or to gain internet notoriety. This TikTok user is using her position of power over her dog to make harmful choices for him, and it's just not right! Yet authorities at TikTok and Instagram don't seem to have done anything to stop her content from spreading -- and potentially encouraging copycats.Sign the petition to demand that TikTok and Instagram take a firmer stance against animal exploitation and animal abuse on their platforms!