Peircing/tattooing your pet cruel?

[Alysser]

First of all, Micro-chipping is not a fashion statement, and it saves animals lives each an every day. I think the best thing about Micro-chipping is that it really doesn't have any disadvantages. Tattooing an animal, is not what I would consider cruel unless it is done in a bad way I guess. I don't like the branding crap they do to cattle. I can only imagine how badly hot iron on the skin hurts. I guess it would be okay with me as long as it wasn't for fashion and it doesn't hurt the animal in anyway. Piercing is another story. Now, first of all, I don't even have my ears pierced. I AM TERRIFIED of even getting that done, so what makes you think I would do something to my dog that I wouldn't even get done on myself? Secondly, I see it as a safety issue. What if you're not home and the stupid earring gets caught on something...OUCH! I can only imagine how much that would hurt a dog to get a needle through its skin.

Well that was my two cents for all it's worth..I don't have any problem with this on people but when it's on an animal as a fashion statement I get mad. ANIMALS ARE LIVING, BREATHING THINGS. NOT accessories.

[Catlady711]

I don't have any problem with this on people but when it's on an animal as a fashion statement I get mad. ANIMALS ARE LIVING, BREATHING THINGS. NOT accessories.

I agree.

[Twisterdog]

Tatooing a phone number/id number which may save your pet's life is one thing. As is microchipping.

However, tatooing or piercing for "cosmetic" reasons is, beyond a doubt, terribly cruel, IMO.

WHY would anyone ever even consider that??

[Jessika]

If they are being pierced or tattooed for any purpose other than identification or for some health reason... then I do not agree with it.

However, I have heard of tattooing used as a form of ID -- they will get an ID number tattooed on the inside of their ear (I believe) and it's used the same as a microchip. Obviously that isn't a popular method and I would much prefer a microchip

[Catty1]

Both my boys were tattooed while asleep for their neutering.

I found this about microchips:

What is Microchipping?

"Microchips" are small computer chips about the size of a rice grain. A veterinarian injects the chip under your cat's skin. Most cats tolerate this minor procedure with no problem.

The chip contains your cat's identifying information and can be read by a special scanner. If your cat gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter, most shelters can scan the information on the chip, identify your cat, and get her home to you.

Having your cat microchipped is a good way to help her get home if she ever becomes lost.

The article goes on to say to add a collar and ID tag.

As for tattooing and piercing pets for 'fashion' reasons, no. I can't see your post right now so I don't recall if your friend was joking - but if he wasn't, his ego is bigger than his heart. ("Hey, look at my pet!!! See what I had done! Isn't it COOL?" That's all about the owner, not the pet. JMO)

[Giselle]

If I'm not mistaken, dog ear tattoos are completely different from human tattoos. If I remember correctly, a special tool is pressed into the ears, creating tiny holes. A colored dye is then rubbed into the ears, staining the holes.

It's not like a human tattoo - which requires a needle repeatedly injecting color underneath the skin. Totally different. Non-comparable. Dogs should never get pierced or tattoo'd for purely cosmetic purposes.

[BC_MoM]

If I'm not mistaken, dog ear tattoos are completely different from human tattoos. If I remember correctly, a special tool is pressed into the ears, creating tiny holes. A colored dye is then rubbed into the ears, staining the holes.

It's not like a human tattoo - which requires a needle repeatedly injecting color underneath the skin. Totally different. Non-comparable. Dogs should never get pierced or tattoo'd for purely cosmetic purposes.

Well said. And anyone who agrees with it or sees nothing wrong with it needs a swift kick in the arse.

[moosmom]

Tatooing a phone number/id number which may save your pet's life is one thing. As is microchipping.

However, tatooing or piercing for "cosmetic" reasons is, beyond a doubt, terribly cruel, IMO.

WHY would anyone ever even consider that??

Ditto!!