PETA Criticizes Kim Kardashian for Giving Kids Four Dogs for Christmas
Kim Kardashian’s holiday reveal — that each of her four children got their own puppy for Christmas — quickly drew intense scrutiny from animal rights advocates. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) publicly criticized the reality star, arguing that pets should never be treated as festive gifts. The organization used Kardashian’s high-profile decision to highlight broader concerns about animal welfare and shelter overpopulation.
PETA’s Statement: “Puppies Are Not Plushies”
In a statement shared with People, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk didn’t mince words about the gift decision. “Puppies are not plushies, and it’s a damn shame that Kim missed the chance to be a spokesperson for shelter pups and instead is being rightly slammed on social media for that,” Newkirk said — stressing that giving dogs as presents can send the wrong message about pet ownership.
Newkirk further criticized Kardashian for her approach amid what PETA describes as an ongoing “homeless animals crisis,” urging her to reconsider her choices before bringing more animals into her home. “Ignoring the homeless animals crisis is inexcusably callous,” she added, suggesting alternatives like working with shelters instead of purchasing pups from breeders.
The Kardashians’ Holiday Reveal
On Christmas Day, Kardashian shared a series of Instagram Stories introducing four small Pomeranian puppies — one for each of her children: North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm. “Each kid got a puppy,” she wrote over a photo of the pups bundled together. The photos quickly went viral, drawing reactions from fans and critics alike. Social media users debated whether the gifts were heartwarming or irresponsible, with many aligning with PETA’s urgency about animal welfare.
PETA’s Animal Adoption Message
Beyond calling out the holiday gifts, PETA used the moment to underline the importance of adopting shelter animals. Newkirk suggested that Kardashian and her family could help in more proactive ways — for example, by volunteering at animal shelters, supporting adoption events, or funding spay-and-neuter programs designed to reduce the number of homeless pets. The organization also called out Khloé Kardashian, who reportedly gifted her own children a black Labrador puppy for Christmas, encouraging both sisters to set a positive example by choosing adoption over breeder purchases.
Public Reaction: Support and Backlash
Reactions to PETA’s criticism were mixed. Some animal rights supporters praised the organization for seizing on a high-profile celebrity moment to spotlight shelter needs, while others felt the criticism was overly harsh or misdirected. Social media threads captured a range of opinions, from those agreeing with PETA’s stance on adoption to others defending Kardashian’s ability to care for her pets.
According to The Sun, one commenter stated, “‘Each got a puppy like it’s a squishmallow,’ another said, referencing the brand of popular stuffed toys. ‘Pets are not accessories or cute gifts (barring certain circumstances). Hate to see it!’ insisted a third.” Most comments noted that, regardless of celebrity status, surprise gifts of living animals can encourage people to see pets as festive accessories rather than long-term responsibilities — a concern many advocates share when shelters are overcrowded.
Broader Debate on Celebrity Pet Culture
This incident highlights an ongoing discussion about the influence of celebrities on pet ownership trends. High-profile figures like Kardashian often inadvertently set cultural trends, and many advocates worry that glamorous portrayals of pets can overshadow the real work of responsible pet ownership. Critics argue that responsible pet care — especially for animals surrendered or abandoned — should take precedence over gifting dogs as seasonal surprises. PETA seized on the holiday moment to promote its message that wonders beyond cute puppies are part of ethical pet care, urging public figures to use their reach to support shelters and advocate for animals that are already in need of homes.
As Kardashian’s holiday posts continue circulating online, so does the debate about celebrity pet gifting and animal welfare. PETA’s public criticism places the spotlight on broader issues — from the importance of adopting from shelters to the responsibilities that come with bringing a living creature into a family. Whether one agrees with PETA’s approach or not, the conversation highlights the growing expectation that celebrities leverage their platforms not just for spectacle, but for advocacy and positive change.
