For as long as there have been humans, there have been body modifications. Piercings and tattoos have been used as an expression of identity for thousands of years, and in the modern world both are becoming more and more accepted for professionals and rock stars alike. However, the New York legislature recently passed a law that makes a very clear statement: Do what you want with your body, but leave your pets out of it. Pet owners who attempt to tattoo or pierce their pets could soon be finding themselves in trouble with the law. New legislation, passed by the legislature and awaiting the signature of Governor Andrew Cuomo, states in no unclear terms that tattooing or piercing a companion animal is prohibited unless done for identification purposes (purebred dogs are often tattooed, as are military and other working dogs). Piercing or tattooing a pet for design purposes will not be allowed once the bill into law. The bill was originally proposed as a reaction to the appearance of “gothic kittens” on Ebay, which had been pierced down their backs by the Ebay seller. PETA, who stands in staunch opposition to tattooing or otherwise modifying pets, applauded the bill as a necessary step in guaranteeing something that should really be common sense. Cuomo is expected to sign the bill later this year.
