Animal rights group PETA has criticised Kim Kardashian after the reality television star revealed that she gave her children puppies as Christmas presents, prompting a fresh debate about celebrity influence and responsible pet ownership.
Kardashian shared images on social media showing four Pomeranian puppies, writing that each of her children had received a dog for Christmas. The post quickly drew backlash online, with critics questioning the message it sent amid ongoing concerns about abandoned and homeless animals.
Responding to the images, PETA issued a statement condemning the gesture. Ingrid Newkirk, the organisation’s founder, said that giving puppies as gifts risked treating animals as novelty items rather than long-term commitments. She added that Kardashian had missed an opportunity to promote adopting rescue animals and to raise awareness about overcrowded shelters.
Newkirk urged the SKIMS founder to use her platform to support animal welfare initiatives, suggesting that she could help fund adoption drives or spay and neuter programmes. She also called on Kardashian to consider volunteering at animal shelters with her children as a way of promoting compassion and responsibility.
The controversy widened after PETA also criticised Kim Kardashian’s sister Khloé for reportedly purchasing a Labrador puppy, reinforcing the group’s stance against buying pets rather than adopting them.
Kardashian, who shares her four children with former husband Kanye West, has not publicly responded to the criticism. Alongside the puppy photos, she also posted a family image featuring her children in festive pyjamas from her SKIMS brand.
The incident has reignited wider conversations about celebrity culture, social media influence and the responsibilities that come with introducing animals into family homes.
