The owner of an Italian circus has been charged after it was discovered that the two pandas in his traveling show were actually Chow Chow puppies that had been dyed.
A release from the Italy State Forestry Corps says the two puppies, one male and one female, were exhibited as pandas to the public so people, particularly children, could take pictures with them for a fee.
Investigations revealed that false documents were provided for the dogs, which appeared to be imported from Hungary.
Vets were able to check out the dogs and they were determined to be in good health.
The owner was charged with providing false documents but could be facing additional charges of mistreatment and fraud.
