Prince William and Kate Middleton Slammed by PETA After Their Pet Dog Had Puppies: 'Out of Touch'
Prince William and Kate Middleton recently welcomed adorable new members to the family thanks to their pet pooch Orla. The cocker spaniel was a gift to the couple from Middleton's brother in 2020. Their pet dog recently gave birth to a litter of six puppies, which featured in the 43rd birthday portrait of the Prince of Wales. While reports suggest the family plans to keep one of the puppies, an expert has claimed that the couple decided to breed Orla so their children could have "fun" with them. The wild claims have ignited a row of backlash from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), with the royal couple being slammed over a decision concerning their pet pooch.
The Wales love dogs and only recently, they introduced the puppies of Orla to the world. While pet dogs have always been a part of the royal family, Middleton and William have come under fire for allegedly "breeding" Orla. Rebecca English of the Daily Mail claimed that the couple allegedly decided to breed their pet dog for ‘something fun’ for their children. English said, “It's one of the reasons, I am told, that [Kate] and Prince William have decided to breed from their adored spaniel, Orla. Not only has it been something fun for the children to look forward to, but I am told they are planning to keep one of the pups.”
The couple’s alleged decision is said to have earned the wrath of PETA, as its Vice President of Programs, Elisa Allen, called them out in a statement. Per People Magazine, the statement read, “The Prince and Princess of Wales should know that shelters here and worldwide are overflowing with puppies desperate for a second chance at a loving home, and that churning out a litter in the midst of this animal homelessness crisis is staggeringly out of touch.” Allen further suggested the future monarch to ‘take a lesson’ from his father, King Charles, and Queen Camilla, saying, “If William is going to lead, he might well take a lesson from King Charles and Queen Camilla, who have chosen to adopt from a shelter rather than contribute to the problem.” The King and Queen adopted a puppy from the shelter, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, shortly after their pet Jack Russel Terrier, Beth, passed away.
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Orla was one of the six puppies welcomed by Middleton's brother James' dog, Luna, in 2020. On the occasion of the heir’s 43rd birthday, the Wales gave a glimpse of Orla’s puppies. The father-of-three could be seen playing with the adorable furry babies, while the post was signed as, “Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!”
However, William has maintained a positive relationship with the animal rights organization. PETA had previously lauded the sovereign for his step to ban foie gras, a French delicacy, from all menus served at his residence. According to Hello! Magazine, praising Charles, a spokesperson for the organisation said, "As Prince of Wales, King Charles removed foie gras – a despicable product for which ducks and geese are force-fed until their livers swell up to 10 times their natural size before the animals are slaughtered – from his royal residences." The spokesperson added, "Now, PETA has received confirmation that His Majesty’s compassionate policy extends to Buckingham Palace and all other royal residences."