Kim Kardashian's Puppy Gifts Spark PETA Backlash Over Rescue Animal Concerns
Kim Kardashian is facing criticism for gifting each of her four children a puppy for Christmas.
“Dogs are not toys, and it’s deeply disappointing that Kim missed an opportunity to champion rescue animals,” PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk stated in a Saturday, December 27, message to The Daily Mail. “Ignoring the crisis of homeless animals is unacceptably insensitive.”
Newkirk further urged Kardashian, 45, to “contact PETA or a local animal shelter the next time” she wishes to expand her family of canines.
“[She can] attempt to rectify this now by encouraging [her] children to volunteer at a local shelter or funding a local shelter adoption event,” Newark suggested, noting that Kardashian could also participate in “at least one spay and neuter clinic” to help resolve the escalating problem of homeless puppies.
Kylie Jenner Introduces New Puppy: A Guide to the Kardashian-Jenners' Dogs
Kardashian has not responded to the controversy. Us Weekly has contacted a representative for the Skims founder for comment.
The Kardashians star recently revealed that she provided each of her four children — she shares North, 12, Saint, 10, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 8, with former husband Kanye West — with pet dogs during the holiday season.
“Each child received a puppy,” Kardashian shared via her Instagram Stories on Thursday, December 25, displaying footage of the adorable dogs.
In addition to receiving their special gifts, Kardashian’s children celebrated the holiday with their mother at her family’s annual Christmas Eve gathering.
“We are not hosting a large Christmas Eve party this year because we recently had my mother’s significant 70th birthday celebration and we simply wanted something more intimate,” Kim’s sister Khloé Kardashian explained via her Instagram Stories during the occasion. “However, of course, we had to be impeccably dressed because that is what we enjoy. We are celebrating the holiday in a very glamorous and stylish way.”
Precious Pooches! See Kardashian-Jenner Kids Snuggling Their Sweet Pets
As for Kim, she arrived at the event wearing a vintage, silver Thierry Mugler gown from 1968. Her children, meanwhile, all chose various all-black ensembles.
Kim has previously given her children beloved pets, beginning with a Pomeranian puppy named Sushi in 2017. The All’s Fair actress, however, felt Sushi barked excessively and wanted to exchange the dog for niece Penelope’s pup Honey.
“Yours is so much calmer,” Kim told sister Kourtney Kardashian in a December 2017 episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. “I swear [Honey] seems to like me better now, she’s settled in. Look how peaceful she is, you’re not getting her back.”
Kourtney, 46, eventually was able to reclaim Honey for her daughter.
Kim Kardashian's Greatest Quotes About Motherhood
“I mean, whatever, I guess she can have her dog back,” Kim remarked in a confessional afterward. “I will just have to manage Sushi’s barking forever.”
In addition to Sushi, Kim has another Pomeranian named Sake, both of whom North likes to pamper.
“Festive New Year’s dog meals,” North posted via TikTok in January 2023, sharing plates with lettuce, pear, chicken, peanut butter, carrots and salmon for the dogs to consume.
North manages her social media account under Kim’s supervision.
“I am striving to protect our daughter while also allowing her to express her creativity in the medium she prefers with adult oversight,” Kim wrote in a 2022 statement. “It brings her joy.”
