@Background Pony #125A
I mean, at least Rarity cares about Spike in later seasons.

It never stopped being that way

@Background Pony #0E8E
This is cruelty simple as that

Oh please. It didn’t hurt any more than when Rarity cut off her tail to repair Steven’s moustache. Despite what make up companies want you to believe, hair is dead. Scales, even more so. If not, wouldn’t a hair cut feel like being butchered? Sure it hurts. Sure his molt itched, because the dead stuff was still attached to living skin, and THAT is being pulled and scratched. Disclaimer: Rarity only cut off the hair part of her tail, as I am sure she only pokes the scale part of Spike.

When I just started to forget what a bitch Rarity is.

Ah, back when their relationship were more like slave and master.

@Ltmajordude
Yes, but he’s lying so that he can be useful to Rarity. We know that the scales are sensitive because they itch during his molt.

Didn’t Spike confirm that his thicc dragon scales makes him immune to pins?

@Background Pony Number 17
 
@Background Pony #3C6A  
This scene is often seen as Spikeabuse. However Spike made it clear his scales didn’t feel any pain since they were thick. I think that would be too far for Rarity even if she can be pushy at times.

Poor Spike he doesn’t deserve this!

I know – I’m being used,  
That’s okay because I like the abuse!

Brings new meaning to acupuncture. Hahahaha