Hitting, ignoring and not feeding is abuse - spending time with your dog, colouring your dog's fur is not abuse. If the dye is vegetable based (no chemicals) it will not damage the fur at all. People should be allowed to enjoy their pets. It may not be for everyone but for anyone who wants to do it - give them a break! How many people that are against this practice have pierced their babies ears?? Each to their own!!