The prominent animal rights organisation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), has publicly criticised reality television star Kim Kardashian for her choice of Christmas presents for her children.
PETA's Strong Condemnation
In a statement issued to The Independent, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk strongly denounced the decision by Kim Kardashian, 45, to purchase four Pomeranian puppies from a breeder. The move came after Kardashian shared images of the new pets on her Instagram Story on Christmas Day.
"Puppies are not plushies, and it’s a damn shame that Kim missed the chance to be a spokesperson for shelter pups and instead is being rightly slammed on social media for that," Newkirk stated. She emphasised that "ignoring the homeless animals crisis is inexcusably callous."
The Kardashian Christmas Puppies
Kim Kardashian's festive post featured the four small dogs, with the caption "Each kid got a puppy." Each puppy is intended for one of her four children with ex-husband Kanye West: North, 12, Saint, 10, Chicago, seven, and Psalm, six.
The criticism was not limited to Kim. PETA also directed a message towards her sister, Khloe Kardashian, who similarly acquired a black Labrador retriever puppy from a breeder called Big Creek Labradors for her children, True, seven, and Tatum, three.
PETA's Call to Action
Ingrid Newkirk urged both sisters to reconsider their actions and make amends. "[They] can try to make some amends now by sending their kids to volunteer at a local shelter or paying for a local shelter adopt-a-thon or at least one spay day to help stop the growing homeless puppy crisis," she proposed.
She further suggested that the celebrities should contact PETA or a local shelter in the future if they wish to bring an animal into their home.
While the family celebrated with their new pets, Kim Kardashian also shared photos from the annual Kardashian-Jenner Christmas Eve party, where she wore a silver gown. The Independent has contacted a representative for Kim Kardashian for comment.
