An unlicensed veterinary surgeon and his assistant in Chengdu, China are under investigation by police after local townspeople lodged complaints that operations to slice the vocal chords of dogs were being performed on an outdoor table in a local flower and bird market.
As shocking images of the man, identified only as Zeng and his assistant performing the operations on dogs for owners who wanted to keep their dogs from barking went viral on social media, animal advocates questioned the credentials of the man as well as the hygiene involved in performing the surgical procedure known as “debarking.” The photos spread across social media Weibo outraged internet users.
“You can’t just pull out its teeth if a dog likes to bite,” one reader stated.
According to the Metro, the operation itself only takes five minutes costing the pet owner between 50 and 100 yuan (US$7.60-15.20) for each dog. The procedure involves reaching into the dog’s throat while the animal’s mouth is held open using a string tied to its teeth. The vocal chords are then cut; leaving the dog with a hoarse or muted bark. The dogs were sedated with an injection in one of their legs.
In one instance, Zeng used the same set of surgical tools on at least ten of the dogs. He claimed to have learned the “skill” at a pet store he had previously been employed. One pet owner stated she was satisfied with the operation and would rather have had her dog’s vocal chords pulled out than having to constantly hear the dog bark or having to give her pet away. None of the pet owners who said they were satisfied with the procedure expressed interest in actually training their dogs.
Chinese regulations state that anyone who performs medical procedures on an animal must have a licence. Zeng’s tools have been confiscated and an investigation has been launched.
(Photos of dogs losing their vocal chords screenshots via AsiaWire)
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook.
Strangers help reunite kittens who were found in two different car engines, miles apart!
Little boy told that he can choose any pet at shelter – he picks a huge, elderly cat who had just lost his home. Heartwarming story here!
What are they over there, barbarians? There should be no dogs allowed in China at all!
What are they over there, barbarians? There should be no dogs allowed in China!
That’s China. Want those kind here? They will also cook your cat after they steal and eat your dog. SOME OF THEM.
Should we expect any less from China? What stupid owners to even have this done rather than train their dog when barking is ok and not ok.The state should pull his vocal cords out so we don’t have to listen to him talk.
Will they arrest this man? Highly doubt it.
Geez these friggin people. They will do anything for a buck and don’t give a Damn about animals. No humanity there. Sickening.
My question is what is their reasoning in doing this? Another form of animal abuse.
What can you expect from a country that thinks eating domestic animals is OK? China keeps on proving it has the humanity of a friggin’ rock. Never stop protesting, do not purchase ANY goods from this country, their products are harmful to both humans and animals and the U.S. should eliminate all imports from China.
Did you fail medical school? This pet store that you work at must be a pure hell on earth shop of horrors. Investigate the shop about this practice and other practices as well.
What the FUCK are they doing??? This has got to STOP!!!! Cut the vocal chords of that stupid Vet and owners instead of the dogs!!!! This is so STUPID!!!!! STOP THIS NOW!!!!
How anyone could allow this don’t have a dog if you cant let it bark. Maybe we should do the same to the owners pieces of lowlife scum. China you are a disgrace to animals.
I believe Chinas mission in life is simply to torture, abuse and maim animals…..these people are just sadistic to animals….. it is horrible what they can and do to animals.
Are you kidding me??????? what is wrong with these owners??? heartless barbarians. they don’t want us to call them barbarians, but that is what this is. They don’t want to put in the effort of teaching your dog not to bark, but instead mutilate the dog!!!!!!!!!!! oh my gosh! IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!