The 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 four children. The group condemned her decision to purchase four Pomeranian puppies instead of opting to adopt rescue dogs from a shelter.
PETA's Strong Condemnation
In a statement issued to The Independent, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk did not mince words. "Puppies are not plushies," Newkirk stated, accusing the 45-year-old Kardashian of missing a vital opportunity to champion shelter animals. She described the star's actions as "inexcusably callous" for ignoring the ongoing crisis of homeless animals.
Newkirk urged Kim Kardashian to contact PETA or a local shelter in the future if she wishes to bring a pet into her home. The message was also directed at Kardashian's sister, Khloe, who similarly welcomed a black Labrador retriever puppy named Peppermint into her family on Christmas Day. PETA suggested the sisters could make amends by having their children volunteer at a shelter or funding adoption events.
The Kardashian Christmas Puppies
The controversy began on 25 December 2025, when Kim Kardashian shared a photo on her Instagram Story featuring four small Pomeranian puppies. She captioned the image, "Each kid got a puppy." Each dog is intended for one of her children with ex-husband Kanye West: North (12), Saint (10), Chicago (7), and Psalm (6).
Meanwhile, Khloe Kardashian also documented her new puppy's arrival on Instagram, expressing her joy and tagging the Indiana-based breeder, Big Creek Labradors. The puppy was a gift for her two children with ex-partner Tristan Thompson: True (7) and Tatum (3).
A Wider Conversation on Ethical Pet Ownership
This incident has sparked a broader discussion on social media and beyond about responsible pet acquisition. Animal welfare advocates consistently stress that choosing adoption from shelters helps address the overpopulation of unwanted animals, rather than supporting breeders.
The criticism from PETA places a spotlight on the influence of celebrities and their potential to set examples for millions of followers. The group's call to action highlights the ongoing struggle faced by animal shelters across the UK and globally. As of now, The Independent reports that representatives for Kim Kardashian have not provided a comment in response to PETA's statements.
