Reality TV star Vicky Pattison has launched a stinging critique against Kim and Khloe Kardashian, branding their decision to gift puppies to their children for Christmas as 'disappointing and irresponsible'. The backlash comes after both sisters faced fierce online criticism and condemnation from animal rights group PETA for purchasing 'designer dogs' from breeders instead of adopting from shelters.
Kardashian Puppy Backlash Sparks Adoption Debate
The controversy ignited when Kim Kardashian, 45, revealed she had introduced four new dogs into her family over the festive period, telling her millions of Instagram followers that 'each kid got a puppy'. Her sister, Khloe Kardashian, 41, also welcomed a new Labrador puppy named Peppermint, which she obtained from a breeder in Indiana.
Pattison, a vocal advocate for rescue dogs who adopted her own Labradors Milo and Max, took to Instagram to call out the sisters for 'ignoring the homeless animal crisis'. With a combined follower count of over 654 million, Pattison argued the Kardashians had a unique platform to promote shelter adoption but chose not to use it.
'I understand wanting to make your kids happy at Christmas... but this is about responsibility,' Pattison wrote. She stressed that the impact of the sisters choosing adoption 'could have had on thousands of homeless animals' lives.'
Pattison's Plea: 'Dogs Aren't Gifts'
In a detailed post, the former Strictly star emphasised that 'dogs aren't gifts' and warned of the sad fate awaiting many 'Christmas puppies' when the novelty wears off. 'A number that will probably increase in January and February when all of these 'Christmas puppies' that don't fit conveniently into people's lifestyles get abandoned,' she cautioned.
Pattison urged her followers to carefully consider adoption and shared links to shelters in desperate need of support, using the hashtag #adoptdontshop. In a follow-up post on her Instagram Stories, she also challenged the misconception that all rescue dogs have behavioural issues, noting many are puppies or animals surrendered for reasons unrelated to temperament.
PETA and Public Condemn 'Inexcusably Callous' Act
The Kardashian sisters' actions were also condemned by Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA, who issued a statement obtained by the Daily Mail. Newkirk called the behaviour 'inexcusably callous' and said Kim had 'missed the chance to be a spokesperson for shelter pups'.
Public reaction was similarly scathing. On platforms like Reddit, users criticised the decision, with one stating, 'Puppies are not Christmas gifts for kids,' and another adding, 'Animals and pets are not gifts... This is f**ked up.'
This is not Kim Kardashian's first controversy regarding pet welfare. In 2022, she faced backlash after a video posted by her daughter North appeared to show the family's Pomeranians living in a garage setup.
For Khloe, the new puppy follows the passing of her beloved black lab Gabbana in 2018, whom she described as her 'first child'. Meanwhile, Vicky Pattison concluded her advocacy by promoting specific rescues like @southeastdogrescue and The Pack Project UK, which she said are in 'desperate need of funding'.
