PETA condemns ‘sickening’ new social media trend involving dogs

PETA has called out the “senseless social media stunt” and urged pet-owners to not partake in the viral challenge.

PETA has issued a stern warning against a troubling new social media trend where people pour icy water onto their dogs, with concerns it could spread to Australia any day now.

The alarming trend is a disturbing twist on what was originally a well-intentioned challenge: the infamous Ice Bucket Challenge that went viral in 2014 and aimed to raise money and awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

However, a growing number of people are now filming themselves dousing their pets with cold water, claiming they’re supporting mental health as well.

It began earlier in the year, when the University of South Carolina launched a new iteration of the challenge to support the mental health organisation Active Minds.

A trend is emerging on social media of people pouring ice cold water on their dogs. Picture: TikTok

It is called the Bark Your Mind Challenge. Picture: TikTok

People were urged to share clips of themselves getting covered in water and ice and use the hashtag #speakyourmindchallenge.

But pet owners co-opted the trend, turning it into something much more concerning – the #barkyourmindchallenge, where they capture their dogs’ reactions to being subjected to the trend and having cold water poured on their heads.

After the trend began gaining traction on TikTok, some creators came under fire and have since responded to the “haters” by explaining how they minimised risk to their pets. One creator said it was “okay” because he gave him a “treat and dried him off” afterwards.

It is a concerning new iteration of the Ice Bucket Challenge of 2014. Picture: TikTok

Often the dogs are terrified and run away. Picture: TikTok

Another claimed it was actually warm water and told their followers not to “come for” them. Meanwhile, someone else said they tried to avoid getting the water directly on their dog’s face.

But the frightened faces of the pups say otherwise, with every breed from cavoodles to pugs shivering as they try to run away from the water.

In one clip, a dog was seen shaking while a towel rested on its back just before water was poured onto it.

“He consented to this video,” the caption stated. “I love him, I swear,” another user commented.

Some defended their involvement in the trend by claiming it was “for a good cause”.

Others, who weren’t dog owners, joined in on the trend too, using other pets, such as their cats, for clicks.

PETA has come out and condemned the challenge. Picture: TikTok

Hopefully it won’t come to Australia. Picture: TikTok

PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker told news.com.au that the trend is unacceptable and urged people to have more consideration for their animals’ well-being.

“Dousing an unsuspecting dog with water is an appalling betrayal of their trust that undoubtedly leaves them confused and terrified, and it’s every bit as egregiously cruel as it would be if it were a child being harassed and antagonised,” he said.

“PETA encourages animal guardians to use common sense, think about these senseless social media stunts from the animal’s perspective, and always put their companion animal’s well-being first.”