Press "PandaGuides" above to follow us!
On January 19, popular dog trainer and influencer Pan Hong, known online as "Pan Hong Loves Playing with Dogs," faced intense backlash after a tragic incident during a live stream. The event, which involved the death of his pet dog Aite, has not only angered his millions of followers but also reignited debates over the ethics of pet-related live-streaming.
The controversy began when Pan Hong announced a live stream to bathe Aite, a senior Alaskan Malamute. He claimed that he was responding to numerous requests from his followers to film the session. However, the event quickly turned tragic.
During the live stream, Aite appeared visibly distressed, resisting Pan Hong's attempts to bathe him. Despite noticing Aite's unease, Pan Hong continued with the session, under pressure from his viewers. To prevent Aite from biting, he tied the dog's mouth shut with tape - a move that drew widespread criticism. With the room temperature rising and Aite unable to pant, the dog started to hyperventilate. Shortly after, Aite collapsed.
Pan Hong abruptly paused the stream, citing "network issues," and later confirmed through a social media post that Aite had passed away due to heart complications. He insisted that the dog's death was unrelated to the live stream and that Aite's old age and stress were the primary causes.
Pan Hong's explanation failed to quell public anger. Critics accused him of prioritizing online traffic over the well-being of his pet. Many viewers noted that an experienced dog trainer should have recognized the risks involved in forcing a nervous dog into a stressful situation.
“Every dog owner knows how crucial it is to keep a dog’s airway open, especially during a bath,” one netizen commented. “Taping Aite’s mouth shut was inhumane and reckless.” Others argued that Pan Hong's actions, including the use of hot water on a cold-climate breed like an Alaskan Malamute, demonstrated negligence.
Social media platforms were flooded with calls to ban Pan Hong's accounts. Critics labeled his behavior as exploitative, accusing him of using pets for monetary gain while neglecting their welfare. Some users pointed to past allegations against Pan Hong, including claims that he sold sick or infertile dogs to meat traders.
In his statement, Pan Hong denied allegations of abuse or exploitation. He claimed that taping Aite’s mouth was a safety precaution to prevent bites. He also refuted accusations that he used the incident to gain publicity.
“I am heartbroken by Aite’s death,” Pan Hong wrote. “I have always treated him with love and care. The decision to stream the bath was meant to share our bond with my followers, not to harm him.”
Despite his assurances, many remain unconvinced. Critics highlighted inconsistencies in his narrative, pointing out that Aite had been a central figure in Pan Hong’s content, generating significant revenue through sponsorships and merchandise.
This is not the first time Pan Hong has faced scrutiny. Previous reports alleged that he mistreated dogs behind the scenes while portraying himself as an animal lover online. His practices of using popular dogs to boost engagement and selling pet products have drawn accusations of exploiting animals for profit.
One netizen summed up the frustration: “How can someone who claims to love dogs treat them this way? The public should stop supporting influencers who put profit over their pets' lives.”
● Man spends ¥13 million on girlfriend, gets dumped for foreigner
● 38-year-old woman’s marriage requirements stir debate online
● Chinese woman chooses African partner, left broke after cancer
● Chinese man shares photos with German girlfriend, gets bullied
● Foreign woman fined for dating on tourist visa in China
● Chinese man marries African girl 12 years his junior for ¥9,000
● My friend chose to end her life in Zurich on October 24, 2024
Long press or scan the QR CODE below to follow us!
