PETA Criticizes Kim Kardashian for Gifting Puppies to Her Children at Christmas
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Kim Kardashian sparked a wave of controversy after gifting each of her four children a puppy for Christmas, drawing sharp criticism from the animal rights organization PETA. The reality star shared images of the new Pomeranian puppies on her Instagram Story, delighting some fans but prompting a strong rebuke from advocates concerned about animal welfare.
Kardashian revealed that North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm each received their own puppy, showcasing the small dogs lined up together. While the gesture was intended as a joyful holiday surprise, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk condemned the choice to purchase rather than adopt pets from shelters. In a statement to People magazine, Newkirk said, “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 also addressed Khloé Kardashian, who gifted her children a Black Labrador, encouraging both sisters to consider adoption in the future. She suggested they could make amends by volunteering at local shelters or supporting initiatives such as adopt-a-thons and spay/neuter clinics to combat the growing homeless puppy crisis. Animal welfare groups like PETA frequently emphasize the importance of adopting shelter animals to reduce overpopulation and save lives.
The backlash comes amid heightened awareness of responsible pet ownership promoted by organizations such as the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These groups advocate adoption to prevent supporting puppy mills and unethical breeders.
Kim Kardashian has not publicly responded to the criticism. This is not the first time she has faced scrutiny from animal rights activists. In 2012, she was flour-bombed at a fragrance launch for wearing fur, although her media team later suggested the incident was staged. More recently, actress Ireland Baldwin publicly condemned Kardashian for using an elephant Birkin bag in a photoshoot, calling the act “disgusting and shameful.”
As public figures increasingly face pressure to model ethical behavior, the debate over celebrity pet gifting highlights broader concerns about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Whether Kardashian will address the concerns remains to be seen, but the conversation underscores the importance of supporting shelter animals and combating the pet overpopulation crisis.
For those interested in adopting or supporting animal welfare, resources are available through the Humane Society’s adoption program and the ASPCA’s pet adoption services. Advocates encourage prospective pet owners to consider these options to give homeless animals a second chance.
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