Reality TV star Kim Kardashian has drawn criticism after gifting puppies to her children as Christmas presents. The SKIMS founder reportedly gave each of her four children — North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm — a Pomeranian, a move that sparked backlash online and from animal rights organisation PETA.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk strongly condemned the gesture, saying that animals should not be treated like toys. “Puppies are not plushies,” Newkirk said, adding that Kardashian missed an opportunity to promote pet adoption and responsible ownership.
Newkirk suggested that instead of buying puppies, Kim Kardashian could have supported animal welfare by funding a shelter adoption drive or sponsoring spay-and-neuter programmes to address what she described as a growing homeless animal crisis. Calling the decision “inexcusably callous,” she urged the celebrity to work with PETA or local shelters before bringing animals into her home.
PETA also criticised Khloe Kardashian for purchasing a black Labrador puppy, reiterating its stance against buying pets while shelters remain overcrowded. The organisation further suggested that Kardashian could take steps to make amends by encouraging her children to volunteer at animal shelters.
The controversy began after Kim shared a photo of the four puppies cuddled together on her Instagram Stories, captioned, “Each kid got a puppy.” While some fans praised the festive moment, many others questioned the responsibility of gifting pets to children, reigniting debates around ethical pet ownership and adoption.