The new absurd Thai fashion: Leoncini exploited for photos on social networks in bars (and rented for parties and events)

The latest fashion that broke out in Thailand it is nothing short of disturbing: to own a lemon It has become the Symbol status of the moment, especially among the rich young people and social visitors such as Tiktok and Instagram. But behind the glossy images of puppies embraced during exclusive parties, there is a dramatic reality made of animal suffering and ambiguous legality.

To satisfy a growing question, in fact, many puppies are removed To the mother a few days after birth, a practice that devoid of essential care and allows the mother to return to heat more quickly. Animals grow in environments artificialoften closed in cement cageswithout natural light and with minimum stimulations. The hygienic conditions are precarious and the malnutrition it is on the agenda, bringing to frequent infections and chronic health problems.

The phenomenon has turned into a Real businesswith private farms who sell or rent lioncini for photo shoots or events. Prices vary from $ 5,000 to $ 15,000 and puppies are promoted as luxury accessories. Some are also “rented ”for birthdays or social contentfeeding a market in continuous expansion.

Once grown, they are returned to breeders because they have become unmanageable

Once they grew up, however, i felines become unmanageable For those who have purchased them, transforming themselves into potential dangers. Many are returned to breeders, who they resell or reuse them for reproductioncreating a continuous exploitation cycle. According to experts, it is a model economically advantageousbut devastating from the point of view ethical and veterinarian.

Thai regulations, despite having been strengthened in 2019, still present serious gaps. The breeding is not sufficiently regulated and many specimens are not registered. Furthermore, the hybrid like i ligri They do not fall into the legislation, leaving large margins of maneuver to operators in the sector.

Animalist associations ask for a Total prohibition of detention and private breeding of lions, as well as the elimination of Bar with exotic animals and of souvenir photos with puppies. Behind the apparent tenderness of a lion embraced for a like, there is a system where thedigital performance costs dear, especially to animals.