Peta calls Prince and Princess of Wales ‘out of touch' over puppies
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been labelled 'staggeringly out of touch' by animal rights campaigners — for allowing their pet dog to have puppies.
The family revealed their cocker spaniel, Orla, had given birth to a litter in a new photograph marking William's 43rd birthday on Saturday. The prince was shown stroking one of the puppies while two others clambered over him.
But the news drew the ire of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), an animal rights charity known for their controversial marketing campaigns, which have included images of skinned animals.
Elisa Allen, the vice-president of programmes at Peta, said: '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.
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'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.'
William and Kate have had Orla since 2020. The cocker spaniel gave birth last month and the photograph was taken in Windsor earlier this month. The royal couple plan to keep one of the puppies.
The King and Queen rehomed a Jack Russell puppy called Moley earlier this year from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in south London shortly after another rescue terrier, Beth, died. Camilla adopted Beth in 2011 and another terrier named Bluebell in 2012, both also from Battersea where she is patron.
Charles also welcomed a new puppy earlier this year, a lagotto romagnolo named Snuff, who was a surprise gift. It is his first since his Jack Russell terrier Tigga who died in 2002 aged 18.
Kate and William were given a cocker spaniel named Lupo by the princess's brother, James Middleton, when they got married. Lupo died unexpectedly in 2020 and the couple took home Orla several months later.
Many members of the royal family have been dog lovers, with the late Queen owning more than 30 corgis over the years.
Kensington Palace declined to comment.
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