The Controversial “Mickey Ear Surgery” Trend for Pets in China
This worrying trend has raised concerns, as many pet owners are ignoring the physical and mental health impacts their animals are forced to endure.
Chinese media outlets have repeatedly reported on the growing number of people in the country choosing to have cosmetic procedures performed on their pets to reshape their ears into round “Mickey Mouse–like” ears.
The procedure, known as “Mickey ear surgery”, is a form of cosmetic ear modification that alters the shape and size of the ears to make them appear rounder and cuter. It typically involves cutting away part of the ear cartilage in a 30-minute operation, followed by stitching the wound to create the rounded shape.
The “Mickey ears” trend began gaining popularity in China in 2022, after several celebrities reportedly had the procedure done on their pets. According to a survey conducted by a Chinese cosmetic company, as many as 30% of young women in China said they wanted to try this procedure on their pets.
Several factors have contributed to the rise of this trend. One is the influence of pop culture: Mickey Mouse is a well-known character in China, often associated with cuteness and good luck.
Another factor is the rapid development of the cosmetic surgery industry in China, where advanced technologies have made surgical procedures safer and more effective, leading more people to consider aesthetic modifications — not just for themselves, but for their pets.
However, the trend has also sparked heated debate. Critics argue that it encourages people to treat pets like fashion accessories, prioritizing appearance over their well-being.
Some animal welfare advocates have condemned it as a violation of animal rights, pointing out that cutting away part of a pet’s ear can cause pain, injury, and long-term health complications.