In OKC you can dye you own hair, but leave the animals "au naturale".
An Oklahoma pet groomer had a warrant issued for her arrest, because she colored her dog with products considered safe for that purpose. It seems that it's even illegal to drive through Oklahoma City with a colored pet, because it's considered "animal cruelty". Never mind that products designed for human use were probably tested on animals first (a politically incorrect observation that did not go over well with judges at a creative styling contest I entered a few years ago).But human products contain chemicals that should not be ingested and can irritate the skin, so I don't recommend you try it at home on your own pet.
I guess they've never been to a dog show and watched what dogs go through for the sake of beauty. Several years ago I watched the Best of Breed Bull Terrier exhibitor at the AKC sanctioned all breed show there (held every 4th of July weekend in OKC) cake another layer of grooming chalk on her dogs face, while she read me the riot act because I humanely chain my show champions for exercise.
In this most recent case, the charges were dropped and the warrant retracted, but legal disagreement over the practice is nothing new. In March of 2008, a Boulder, Colorado hair salon owner's legal battle made national headlines. Joy Douglas kept her poodle Cici dyed pink for three years, in honor of breast cancer awareness, only to face a $1,000 fine.
Apparently, Boulder had an ordinance that said "No person shall dye or color live fowl, rabbits, or any other animals.", written to keep people from dyeing rabbits and chicks at Easter. Cici's owner claimed that she didn't dye her dog, but rather stained it using beet juice and "Kool Aid". Non toxic "Bio Pens" made for children are another popular method. I like "Punky Colors" by Jerome Russell, but don't expect it to wash out at your next appointment!
Apparently, Boulder had an ordinance that said "No person shall dye or color live fowl, rabbits, or any other animals.", written to keep people from dyeing rabbits and chicks at Easter. Cici's owner claimed that she didn't dye her dog, but rather stained it using beet juice and "Kool Aid". Non toxic "Bio Pens" made for children are another popular method. I like "Punky Colors" by Jerome Russell, but don't expect it to wash out at your next appointment!
Check out these videos:
Yes, I can do this. No, I have never had a dog or cat I've colored suffer any harm. Yes you need an appointment because of the time involved. No, it's not included in the regular price.
