The realm of pet ownership has entered a new frontier with the rise of cloning technology, as evidenced by the experiences of Kelly Anderson, a 35-year-old cat owner who recently turned to this controversial method after the unexpected death of her Ragdoll cat, Chai. Chai died under tragic circumstances after ingesting plastic left by a pet sitter and, despite undergoing surgery, succumbed to complications related to anaesthesia. In her grief, Anderson opted not only for cremation but also to create a living clone from Chai's DNA, a process facilitated by ViaGen Pets, a Texas-based organisation. The cost for this cloning venture was a substantial $50,000, leading Anderson to finance it through a loan.
Anderson expressed her feelings of loss, stating, "When she died, I felt robbed of time with her," as she sought to preserve her connection with Chai rather than replace her. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she explained that her decision sparked considerable online debate regarding the ethics and financial implications of cloning pets. Critics questioned why she did not choose adoption or donate the funds to animals in need. Anderson countered this sentiment, saying, "[The backlash is] heavily focused around the cost of cloning," and stated that she views cloning as a way to honour Chai rather than diminish her memory.
The resulting clone, named Belle, has displayed behavioural similarities to Chai, with Anderson noting a shared temperament of about 60%. Anderson stated that Belle's personality has evolved, becoming more akin to Chai's over time, particularly in her ability to respond to Anderson's emotions, resembling the bond she had with her original cat.
Anderson is also an animal welfare advocate, adopting and fostering animals, and clarified that her cloning decision does not negate her commitment to helping other animals. She has maintained an Instagram account that previously featured Chai, which now serves to document her journey with Belle and celebrate her late pet's legacy.
In explaining the cloning process, Lauren Asten, a representative from ViaGen, provided insight into how cloning works. It begins with the collection of a small skin biopsy from the original pet, which is stored and later used to create living cells. A preserved cell is then implanted into a hollowed-out egg, and following gestation, a cloned animal is produced that carries the genetic material of the original pet.
Concerns about the health of cloned animals have long been a topic of discussion. Asten noted that while genetic illnesses may lead to a recommendation against cloning, not all health issues are inherited, and environmental factors can influence outcomes. Additionally, she referenced studies suggesting that cloned pets can lead normal, healthy lives and that their personalities may exhibit similarities to their original counterparts while still being shaped by their individual environments.
The experiences of celebrities such as Barbra Streisand and Paris Hilton, who have pursued pet cloning, highlight the emotional motivations that often drive such decisions. Streisand had clones made of her Coton de Tulear, Samantha, following the dog's passing, while Hilton opted to clone her chihuahua, Diamond Baby, after a tragic incident. Asten reiterated that the emotional ties between owners and their pets often inspire cloning, with many feeling a deep connection to the animals they choose to replicate.
Ethically and financially charged discussions surrounding pet cloning continue, as highlighted by Anderson's and others' decisions. As society's understanding of pet ownership evolves, such practices present complex dilemmas that intertwine personal grief, technological capabilities, and the bonds formed with pets.
Source: Noah Wire Services