Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian has shown she remains entirely unfazed by a fierce backlash from animal rights group PETA, continuing to proudly share pictures of her new Christmas puppy online.
PETA's Stinging Criticism
The controversy erupted after Khloe Kardashian, 41, and her sister Kim Kardashian each purchased puppies from breeders as festive gifts for their children, rather than adopting from rescue shelters. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) swiftly condemned their actions.
In a statement obtained by the Daily Mail, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk slammed the sisters' choices. "Puppies are not plushies," Newkirk said, criticising Kim for missing a chance to champion shelter animals. She labelled ignoring the homeless animal crisis as "inexcusably callous" and urged both women to contact shelters in future.
Newkirk suggested the Kardashians could make amends by having their children volunteer at a local shelter or funding an adopt-a-thon or spay day.
Kardashians Double Down With Puppy Posts
Despite the criticism, Khloe has posted several adorable snaps of her new black Labrador Retriever, named Peppermint. The images show the puppy posing on a gravel driveway and relaxing inside her sprawling mansion. Khloe's youngest child was also pictured playing lovingly with the new family member.
Not to be outdone, Kim Kardashian sparked further outrage by revealing she bought four puppies—one for each of her children—posting a picture of the litter on her sofa with the caption: "Each kid got a puppy."
Fan Fury on Social Media
The sisters' decisions ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans and followers on platforms like Reddit. Many argued that live animals are inappropriate as surprise gifts.
One user stated: "Puppies are not Christmas gifts for kids." Another commented: "Animals and pets are not gifts unless someone has really wanted that pet and will truly look after it. This is f**ked up."
Others expressed concern about the responsibility involved, with one person writing: "They don’t realise what a big responsibility having a pet is... when the pup grows up, they no longer care for it. Absolutely ridiculous." Fans described the move as "sad" and "wrong in every conceivable way."
This is not the first time Kim has faced scrutiny over her pets. In 2022, questions were raised about whether her dogs were living in the garage after a TikTok video by her daughter, North West. Khloe previously owned a dog named Gabbana, who died after 14 years, whom she described as her "first child."
In related family news, it was reported that Kim and ex-husband Kanye West spent Christmas together amicably with their four children, indicating a repaired co-parenting relationship following their 2021 split.
