A South Florida man showed up at a Miami Heat game on Monday, December 26, with his Pomeranian dyed bright yellow to look like Pikachu. The dog’s owner Erik Torres was cited by Miami Dade Animal Services for dying his puppy’s coat.
According to WflaNews, the photo went viral, but not before Miami Dade Animal Services had previously done an inspection at Torres’ Doral puppy store. Pikachu had been in the store that day sitting on one of the employee’s lap.
It is unlawful for any person to possess, sell or otherwise transfer within the County any dyed or artificially colored rabbit or other animal.
No animal should be dyed, regardless of whether there’s an ordinance prohibiting that or not. You don’t really have any guarantee or any assurance that the chemicals they’re putting onto your pet are safe.
Kathleen Labrada, Assistant director of Miami-Dade Animal Services
Since the opening of the store, World Famous Puppies in March 2021, 16 citations have been issued – some accusing the store of selling sick dogs. Torres, however denies the allegations and says his puppies are healthy, however sometimes puppies do get sick.
The yellow pup, Pikachu is not for sale, and Torres claims the dye he used is safe and non toxic. Torres plans to appeal the citation.
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