The prominent animal rights organisation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), has launched a stinging critique against reality television star Kim Kardashian. The rebuke follows her decision to purchase four Pomeranian puppies as Christmas gifts for her children, rather than opting to adopt from a shelter.
PETA's Blunt Condemnation of Celebrity Choice
In a direct statement provided to The Independent, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk did not mince words. She characterised the move by The Kardashians star as "inexcusably callous" for overlooking the ongoing crisis of homeless animals. "Puppies are not plushies," Newkirk stated, adding it was a "damn shame" Kardashian missed a prime opportunity to champion shelter pets.
Newkirk urged the 45-year-old celebrity to contact PETA or a local shelter in future if she wishes to bring an animal into her home. The message was also extended to Kim's sister, Khloe Kardashian, who similarly acquired a black Labrador retriever puppy from a breeder for her own children this Christmas.
The Kardashian Christmas Puppy Reveal
The controversy began on Christmas Day, when Kim Kardashian posted a photograph to her Instagram Story. The image featured four small Pomeranian puppies, each destined for one of her four children with ex-husband Kanye West: North (12), Saint (10), Chicago (7), and Psalm (6). "Each kid got a puppy," she simply captioned the post.
Separately, Khloe Kardashian shared festive images of her new Labrador, named Peppermint, adorned with a red bow. The Good American founder expressed her delight, tagging the Indiana-based breeder, Big Creek Labradors. The puppy was a gift for her two children with ex-partner Tristan Thompson: True (7) and Tatum (3).
Call for Action Amidst a Shelter Crisis
PETA's criticism goes beyond mere disapproval, proposing concrete steps for amends. Ingrid Newkirk suggested the sisters could send their children to volunteer at a local animal shelter or fund an adopt-a-thon or spay day. This, she argued, would help address the root cause of the growing homeless puppy crisis.
The organisation's core argument is that purchasing bred dogs, especially from high-profile figures, perpetuates a system that leaves countless animals in shelters without homes. The Independent noted it had reached out to a representative for Kim Kardashian for comment on the matter.
Aside from the new canine additions, Kim shared photos of her family at the annual Kardashian-Jenner Christmas Eve party, where her children coordinated in matching black outfits.
