Kim Kardashian Faces PETA Backlash After Gifting Each of Her Kids a Puppy for Christmas
Kim Kardashian’s Christmas surprise for her four children sparked a major reaction online and from animal rights advocates. What was meant to be a heartwarming holiday moment quickly turned into a wider conversation about pet adoption, responsibility, and celebrity influence.
Kim Kardashian is no stranger to headlines, but her latest holiday gift has drawn criticism instead of praise. The reality star and business mogul gifted each of her four children their own puppy for Christmas, a move that prompted a strong response from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, also known as PETA.
While many fans initially reacted with excitement over the adorable photos, others questioned the message being sent about pet ownership.
Below is a closer look at what happened, why PETA spoke out, and how this moment has fueled an ongoing debate about pets as presents.
Kim Kardashian’s Christmas Gift That Sparked Debate
During Christmas celebrations, Kim Kardashian shared a series of Instagram Stories revealing four new additions to her household. The puppies, all small Pomeranians, were shown sitting together in one photo.
Two had dark fur, one had a cream coat, and another had a sable shade. Alongside the image, Kim wrote, “Each kid got a puppy.” Kim shares her four children with ex husband Kanye West. North is 12, Saint is 10, Chicago is 7, and Psalm is 6.
The photo instantly went viral, with fans reacting to the sweetness of the gesture and the cuteness of the dogs. However, not everyone saw it as a harmless holiday surprise.
Animal welfare advocates were quick to point out concerns about gifting pets, especially during the holidays, when many animals are later surrendered to shelters.
PETA Responds With a Strong Message
PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk addressed the situation in a statement. Her response was firm and direct, emphasizing that pets should not be treated as temporary gifts or accessories.
“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.
The comment quickly gained traction online, echoing a long-standing message from animal rights groups. PETA has consistently warned against buying dogs from breeders, especially when shelters across the country are overwhelmed with homeless animals.
Newkirk also extended her comments to Kim’s sister Khloé Kardashian, who revealed she gifted her family a black Labrador retriever puppy on Christmas Day.
Calls for Adoption and Giving Back
In her statement, Newkirk encouraged the Kardashian sisters to take steps that could help address the larger issue of animal homelessness. She suggested that Kim and Khloé consider reaching out to shelters or supporting adoption efforts in the future.
“[They can] try to make some amends now by sending their kids to volunteer at a local shelter or paying for a local shelter adopt-a-thon or at least one spay day to help stop the growing homeless puppy crisis,” she said.
PETA has long promoted adoption as the most ethical way to welcome a pet into a family. The organization believes celebrities have a powerful platform and can influence millions of followers by choosing shelter animals and speaking openly about adoption.
Kim Kardashian’s History With Pets
The Kardashian-Jenner family is well known for owning a wide range of animals. Kylie Jenner has several dogs, Kendall Jenner owns a horse named Arizona, and Kim and Khloé have both shared numerous pet moments over the years.
Khloé Kardashian also revealed that her family received a black Labrador retriever puppy on Christmas Day. She posted photos of the dog on Instagram Stories, adding to the discussion surrounding celebrity pet gifts during the holidays.
Despite criticism, the family has consistently shown affection for their animals and often features them on social media.
Social Media Reaction and the Bigger Conversation
Social media reactions have been mixed. Some fans praised Kim for giving her children a joyful and memorable Christmas. Others sided with PETA, pointing out that holiday pets often end up abandoned once the excitement fades.
This moment has reignited a broader conversation about responsible pet ownership. Animal experts frequently remind people that dogs require long-term commitment, training, and care that can last more than a decade.
For celebrities like Kim Kardashian, even personal family moments can influence public behavior. That is why organizations like PETA often use these opportunities to push for awareness and change.
Final Thoughts on Pets as Presents
Kim Kardashian’s Christmas gift may have come from a place of love, but the backlash highlights a growing awareness around animal welfare. While the puppies themselves are undeniably adorable, critics argue that the focus should remain on adoption, responsibility, and the millions of animals still waiting for homes.
Whether or not Kim responds publicly, the discussion sparked by this moment continues to resonate. It serves as a reminder that pets are lifelong companions, not seasonal surprises, and that even well-intentioned gifts can carry deeper implications in today’s social landscape.
Summary:
- Kim Kardashian gifted each of her four children a Pomeranian puppy for Christmas, which she shared on Instagram Stories.
- The puppies included four different coat colors and were revealed with the caption “Each kid got a puppy.”
- PETA publicly criticized the decision, warning against treating pets as holiday gifts.
- PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk stated, “Puppies are not plushies,” and emphasized the importance of adoption.
- The organization encouraged Kim and Khloé Kardashian to support shelters through volunteering or funding adoption events.
- Khloé Kardashian also revealed her family received a Labrador retriever puppy for Christmas.
- Kim and her children already own several pets, including other dogs and reptiles.
- The controversy reignited a broader discussion about responsible pet ownership and celebrity influence.
- Fans and critics debated whether gifting pets sends the wrong message amid an ongoing shelter overcrowding crisis.
