by KAETLYN CHIGIROVICH Staff Writer
Pet tattoos have recently been used for more than security reasons; they have become a fashion trend. Pet tattooing started about three years ago after TLC’s show called “Extreme Poodles.” Ever since then, many pet owners started tattoing their pets as a growing trend. Most pet tattoos start from around $10 to $20 or more. Tattoos are airbrushed on, with a stencil and non-toxic dye. One pet tattoo website, Pet-Ink, says, “We believe that all animals deserve a voice. We help our animals show their unique personalities through tattoos.” The same site says that their tattoos are temporary and sell temporary tattoo kits for pet owners to use. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) say that the tattoos can lead to allergic reactions that could kill the animal. They also say it is insensitive to the animal. Unlike Pet-Ink, some other pet tattoo places do give permanent tattoos for security and identity reasons. If the pet is lost, you can identify them by their tattoo. “My dogs all have numbers tattooed on their backs so if they ever run away they can ID them,” says sophomore Alyssa Dabrowski. “I have never heard of pet tattooing. That’s so cruel.” Many people and animal rescues do not support these tattoos. They think it is wrong, and some deem it as animal abuse. “Pet owners can’t ask their animals if they want a tattoo. You’re basically forcing your pet to do it, when it doesn’t want to,” said freshman Kelly Cashman. In Staten Island, lawmakers are trying to pass a bill to stop pet tattooing and cosmetic treatment for pets because it is “abusive” toward the animals. One couple, Gary and Patty Frame, tattooed “I heart yarn” on their dog, Stella’s back to advetise for their yarn shop. They did not stop there. On St. Patrick’s day, Frames tattooed a shamrock on her hip. Gary said, “People are amazed — they do a double take.” Groomer Lori Chatelain, owner of The Dog Salon in Charolotte, North Carolina says that she has done everything “from flames to pandas on poodles.” “Some of them do it every time they come in; they just seem to enjoy it,” says Chatelain. “I don‘t think this trend is going to stop!”