Reality TV star Vicky Pattison has launched a scathing critique against Kim and Khloe Kardashian, labelling their decision to gift puppies to their children for Christmas as "disappointing and irresponsible." The criticism comes after animal rights group PETA blasted the sisters for what it called "inexcusably callous" behaviour, igniting a fierce debate about pet ownership and adoption.
Kardashians Face Backlash for 'Designer Dog' Gifts
Kim Kardashian, 45, founder of Skims, introduced four new dogs into her household over the festive period, announcing to her vast social media following that "each kid got a puppy." Her children—North, 12, Saint, 10, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 6—each received one of the Pomeranian puppies.
Not to be outdone, her sister Khloe Kardashian, 41, also expanded her family by welcoming a Labrador retriever puppy named Peppermint, which she obtained from a breeder in Indiana. The Good American founder shared that her daughter True, 7, and son Tatum, 3, had been asking for a puppy, a gift with poignant meaning following the 2018 death of her beloved 14-year-old black lab, Gabbana.
However, the seemingly lavish gifts were met with immediate fury online. Critics on platforms like Reddit condemned the move, with one user stating, "Puppies are not Christmas gifts for kids," while another lamented the potential fate of the animals when the novelty wears off.
Pattison's Passionate Plea for Adoption
Enter Vicky Pattison, a well-known advocate for rescue dogs who adopted her own Labradors, Milo and Max, from shelters in 2021 and 2022. The former Strictly contestant took to Instagram to voice her dismay, directly calling out the Kardashian sisters for squandering a monumental opportunity.
"As two of the most recognisable and followed women on the planet they had the opportunity to use their platform and influence to help shelter dogs across the world," Pattison wrote. "Instead they chose to ignore the homeless animal crisis and bought pet dogs for their children from breeders."
She stressed that "dogs aren't gifts" and urged her followers to think carefully about adding a pet to their family, seriously considering adoption first. Pattison highlighted the heartbreaking reality of millions of animals waiting in shelters worldwide, a number that often swells in January and February as "Christmas puppies" are abandoned.
In a follow-up post on her Instagram Stories, Pattison tackled a common misconception, clarifying that not all rescue dogs come with behavioural issues or trauma. "There are puppies... who have no behavioural issues, traumas or anything to potentially worry about," she explained.
She concluded by promoting specific UK rescue organisations, including @southeastdogrescue and The Pack Project UK, which are in "desperate need of funding."
PETA and Public Condemnation
The backlash was compounded by a stern statement from Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA. "Puppies are not plushies," Newkirk said, accusing Kim of missing a chance to be a "spokesperson for shelter pups" and calling the act "inexcusably callous."
PETA called on both Kim and Khloe to make amends by volunteering at a shelter or funding an adopt-a-thon. This is not Kim's first controversy regarding pet care; in 2022, she faced criticism after a video appeared to show her Pomeranians, Sushi and Sake, living in her garage.
The episode underscores a growing public conversation about ethical pet ownership, celebrity responsibility, and the vital #adoptdontshop message. With a combined Instagram following of over 654 million, the Kardashians' actions carry significant weight, making their choice to buy from breeders, rather than adopt, a focal point for animal welfare campaigners.
