Key Takeaways
- Kim Kardashian faced criticism from PETA after gifting her children puppies for Christmas.
- Animal rights advocates urged the Kardashian sisters to promote adoption rather than buying from breeders.
- Both Kim and Khloé Kardashian shared their new pets on social media, sparking widespread online debate.
- The situation reignited conversations around celebrity influence, pet adoption, and responsible animal ownership.
Kim Kardashian Slammed by PETA Over Christmas Puppy Gifts
Kim Kardashian has come under public scrutiny following her decision to gift each of her children a puppy for Christmas — a holiday surprise that quickly sparked controversy and drew criticism from animal rights organization PETA.
According to reports, the Kardashians star purchased four Pomeranian puppies, giving one to each of her children — North, 12, Saint, 10, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 6 — whom she shares with her ex-husband, Kanye West. Kim shared the festive moment with her followers on Instagram, posting a photo of the puppies alongside the caption, “Each kid got a puppy.”
While the post was met with excitement from many fans who praised the family’s holiday celebration, it also triggered backlash from animal welfare advocates. Critics argued that celebrities with large platforms have a responsibility to promote pet adoption, particularly at a time when shelters across the country are overwhelmed with homeless animals.
The reaction highlights an ongoing debate around pet ownership, ethical breeding, and the influence public figures have on social behavior. Although Kim has previously adopted pets, the decision to buy puppies from a breeder reignited discussion about the “adopt, don’t shop” movement — a message animal rights groups continue to emphasize.
As the conversation unfolded online, opinions remained divided, underscoring how even personal holiday moments shared by celebrities can quickly turn into broader public discussions about responsibility, influence, and animal welfare.
PETA Responds: “Adopt, Don’t Shop”
In response to the holiday gifts, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk released a statement condemning the purchase of puppies from breeders. She emphasized the ongoing crisis of homeless animals in shelters and criticized the sisters for missing an opportunity to promote adoption.
“Puppies are not plushies,” Newkirk said, adding that ignoring the homeless animal crisis is “inexcusably callous.” She encouraged Kim and her sister Khloé Kardashian, who also purchased a puppy from a breeder, to consider supporting shelters in the future.
Newkirk suggested possible ways the sisters could make amends, including volunteering at animal shelters, funding adoption events, or supporting spay-and-neuter programs aimed at reducing overpopulation.
Khloé Kardashian Also Welcomes a New Puppy
Khloé Kardashian also shared her own holiday pet news, revealing she had fulfilled her children’s Christmas wish by buying a black Labrador from a breeder in Indiana. Prior to the holidays, Khloé posted a handwritten note from her children asking, “Please can I have a real puppy.”
Following Christmas, she returned to Instagram to confirm their wish had come true, naming the puppy Peppermint and expressing her emotional reaction to the newest addition to the family.
Khloé has long been open about her love for dogs. She previously owned a black Labrador named Gabbana, who passed away in 2018. After Gabbana’s death, Khloé shared a heartfelt tribute describing the dog as her “first child,” highlighting the deep bond she had with her pet.
Kim’s History With Pet Adoption
Despite the recent criticism, Kim Kardashian does have a history of adopting animals. The new puppies join her dogs Sushi and Sake, whom she adopted with her sister Kourtney Kardashian in 2017.
This detail has been noted by fans who argue that the situation is more nuanced than a simple “adopt versus shop” debate — though animal rights groups maintain that shelter adoption should always be prioritized, especially by public figures.
A Broader Conversation About Celebrity Influence
The Kardashian sisters’ Christmas gifts have reignited a broader conversation about the role celebrities play in shaping public behavior. With millions of followers across social media, high-profile figures often face heightened scrutiny over personal choices that may influence fans.
While Kim and Khloé have not publicly responded to PETA’s comments, the debate continues online — underscoring the ongoing tension between personal choice, animal welfare advocacy, and the responsibilities that come with fame.
As discussions around ethical pet ownership grow louder, the incident serves as a reminder of how celebrity actions can quickly spark global conversations beyond a single holiday post.
