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.

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.

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.

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.

Read the full article →

Now retrieving an image set.

ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal SLIDE Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, 14-Day Odor Control, EZ Clean Technology, 18 lbs – No Scrubbing, Powerful Odor Eliminator

(46594125)

$20.03 (as of February 24, 2026 20:16 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Amazon Basics Dog Poop Leak Proof Bags with Dispenser and Leash Clip, Unscented, 13" x 9" Large Size, 300 Count

(485236881)

$9.50 (as of February 24, 2026 20:16 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food Seafood Collection in Wet Cat Food Variety Pack - (Pack of 24) 3 oz. Cans

(47546138)

$22.86 (as of February 24, 2026 20:16 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Medium Dogs, 10 Pound

(48578889)

$14.98 (as of February 24, 2026 20:16 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats, Beef & Filet Mignon Recipe, 25 Ounce

(48560131)

$14.47 (as of February 24, 2026 20:16 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)