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Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Staggeringly out of touch': PETA animal rights activists target Prince William and Princess Catherine for breeding their cocker spaniel amid 'animal homelessness crisis'
Prominent animal rights activists have taken extraordinary aim at Prince William and Princess Catherine, branding them "staggeringly out of touch" for breeding their cocker spaniel during an "animal homelessness crisis". PETA, an American animal rights not-for-profit, targeted the Prince and Princess of Wales after Catherine took to Instagram on Saturday to post a photo of William with the couple's dog, Orla, and her new litter of puppies. In the sweet photo, William could be seen patting one of the chocolate-coloured puppies while two brown and black cocker spaniels from the litter pounced around him, with Orla trodding happily in the background. Catherine posted the snap in celebration of her husband's 43rd birthday and referred to the couple's family by their initials in the caption. "Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!" Kate wrote. The photograph is understood to have been taken one sunny day in Windsor earlier this month after Orla gave birth to four puppies in May. William and Catherine are believed to be planning to keep one of the loveable furry friends as a companion for their three children. And while fans of the royals took the comments praising the new four-legged additions to the Wales clan, PETA took the opposite approach. The organisation's US programme vice presiden Elisa Allen on Thursday said the Prince and Princess of Wales should know better than to breed their dog while animal shelters in the UK are "overflowing with puppies." "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," Ms Allen told MailOnline. "Churning out a litter in the midst of this animal homelessness crisis is staggeringly out of touch." "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." Charles and Camilla adopted a puppy, Moley, understood to be part Jack Russell, from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home earlier this year, six months after her previous Jack Russell, Beth, died in November 2024. The Queen announced the new addition to her family to a group of visually impaired people with their guide dogs at the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in February, saying Moley's breed was 'a bit of everything." Camilla didn't reveal to the group whether the then eight-week-old puppy was a boy or girl but did disclose the inspiration behind the puppy's name. "It's called Moley. Looks just like a mole!" she said. The 76-year-old King and his wife also own a Jack Russell Terrier named Bluebell, who, like Beth, was from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Meanwhile, ex-working member of the British royal family Meghan Markle's adopted beagle Guy passed away in January. PETA gifted Prince Harry's wife a vegan leather handbag for her first birthday as a royal in August 2018. On its website, PETA states it is not "afraid to make the difficult comparisons or say the unpopular thing" about animal welfare. "Or point out the uncomfortable truth, if it means that animals will benefit," the statement reads. "Our positions may be controversial, but they are always true to our driving mission: to stop animal abuse worldwide." has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- Newsweek
Kitten's First Trip to the Beach Doesn't Go To Plan
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. What's sandy and perfect for a cat? A litter tray—which explains why this kitten was baffled on her first beach day. Meo Toffee, a three-month-old British Shorthair, went viral on TikTok (@ after mistaking the sand in Monterey Bay, California, for cat litter. Cat litter is usually made from paper, wood, silica, corn, wheat, or Fuller's earth, but Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London states that "most cats tend to prefer non-scented litter that most resembles sand." A clip showing the kitten in a pink harness, attached to a leash, digging into the sand and discreetly having a wee has racked up 2.2 million views since June 14. According to a vet-reviewed article published by Catster, it's crucial to clean up after cats properly to prevent the spread of parasites like Toxoplasma, which can pose health risks to both humans and other animals. Taking Care of Your Cats at the Beach Taking your cat to the beach requires careful consideration and preparation to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are eight essential tips for an enjoyable beach day with your feline friend: Avoid beach outings during hot summer days, as cats are susceptible to heat stroke—a potentially fatal condition if not addressed promptly. Always provide fresh water, access to shade, and ensure proper ventilation during transport to and from the beach. Check local beach regulations beforehand, as some pet-friendly locations may not permit cats. Only take your cat if they are likely to enjoy the experience, and prioritize their comfort throughout the visit. Make sure your cat is up to date on vaccinations and is microchipped in case they get lost. Protect them from stray animals and off-leash dogs, which could pose a danger. Sand is generally safe for cats, but it can contain toxins, sharp objects, or become dangerously hot, risking injury to their paw pads. Unlike dogs, cats are less likely to eat sand, but they should still be supervised at all times to ensure their safety. TikTok Reacts A stock image of a grey cat sitting on the sand. A stock image of a grey cat sitting on the sand. Danieloncarevic/iStock/Getty Images Plus So far, the video has received over 314,000 likes and 530 comments. "She be like, 'What a good human—they got me a huge litter box,'" said one user. Another wrote: "She's very modest, I must say! Mine just stands and stares at us while she does her business." A third user added: "I mean, it kind of is! That's why cats get used to litter so quickly—in the wild, they go in sand or soft dirt." Newsweek reached out to @ for comment. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Six prime ministers later, Larry the Cat still rules 10 Downing Street; how the ‘Chief Mouser' became a symbol of stability
The world may have seen several British PMs come and go. Yet, one long-standing resident of 10 Downing Street has refused to budge for years. Larry the Cat, holding the official title of 'Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office,' has been a constant presence since 2011, outlasting multiple prime ministers and political upheavals. Born as a stray in 2007, Larry was adopted from London's Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 during David Cameron's tenure, according to Firstpost. While initially brought in as a family pet, he quickly acquired his official government position. According to the UK government website, his duties include 'greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality.' What makes Larry stand out is his status as a civil servant rather than a personal pet. As David Cameron explained during his final Prime Minister's Questions in 2016, this is why Larry remains at Downing Street regardless of who occupies the office, reports Firstpost. Larry's unofficial account succinctly put it in 2022, 'I live here permanently, politicians are temporary residents'. A post shared by Larry – Chief Mouser of the Cabinet (@larrythecatforpm) Now 18 years old as of January 2025, Larry has served under six prime ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss (for her brief 45-day tenure), Rishi Sunak, and currently Keir Starmer, who took office in May 2024. Starmer represents Larry's first Labour Prime Minister, as his previous five bosses were all Conservative. Larry's diplomatic relationships have varied. He reportedly favoured former US President Barack Obama but was less welcoming to Donald Trump. During Trump's 2019 UK visit, Firstpost states that Larry famously positioned himself under the president's armoured Cadillac, preventing Trump's departure after meeting with Theresa May. His performance in mouse control has received mixed reviews. The Daily Telegraph reported early in his tenure that Larry displayed 'a distinct lack of killer instinct'. However, he has demonstrated territorial prowess, particularly in his famous rivalry with Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat. Larry has developed a keen sense for media opportunities. Sky News reports that 'he knows exactly where the TV cameras are and where to position himself' to appear in broadcasts during major political events. His photobombing skills and occasional mischief have endeared him to the British public. His popularity extends far beyond Downing Street. During the political turmoil of 2022, Tellyspotting reports that a viral tweet from an unofficial account proclaimed: 'The King has asked me to become Prime Minister because this nonsense has gone on long enough.' This sparked a '#Larry4Leader campaign' promoting platform planks including a 'responsible hiss-cal policy' and 'no lying in No 10 unless it's on a comfy cushion.' In a time of political uncertainty, Larry represents continuity at the heart of the British government. His longevity after outlasting multiple prime ministers, including three in just 45 days, offers a glimpse into the tumultuous nature of politics. While human leaders come and go, Larry's presence reminds us that some institutions endure regardless of electoral outcomes.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queen Camilla Shared the First Photo of Her New Rescue Puppy
A first picture of Queen Camilla with her newest pet has been released by Buckingham Palace ahead of her visit to a dog garden at the Chelsea Flower Show today. The Queen is pictured cuddling puppy Moley, who she revealed earlier this year that she adopted at eight weeks old. 'I've just got a new puppy who's eight weeks old,' Camilla told a member of the public during an outing in Canterbury, southeast England in February this year. She adopted Moley from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home after the death of her beloved Jack Russell terrier Beth last November. The Queen also has Bluebell, another Jack Russell. All three dogs were rescue dogs. Queen Camilla previously described Moley's breed as 'a bit of everything,' adding that she 'looks just like a mole!' In the picture released today, the Queen's affection for her new pet is clear as the pair cuddle on the steps of a garden building. The image was taken by Shona Williams, who is the Queen's country dresser and assistant house manager at her private Wiltshire home Ray Mill. Ms Williams also captured an image of Kate Middleton photographing Camilla at Ray Mill for Country Life magazine in 2022. Members of the royal family will attend the Chelsea Flower Show today, where the King and Queen will visit the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden. The King is Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society after taking over the role from Queen Elizabeth, reflecting the royal family's long-standing support of the organization. This year the RHS has named a rose after the Princess of Wales, called Catherine's Rose. 'As well as supporting the incredible work of The Royal Marsden, Catherine's Rose will raise awareness of how nature and gardening can help to heal,' RHS Director General Clare Matterson said. You Might Also Like 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Battersea rescue dogs stage 'cutest pitch invasion ever' in front of thousands of fans
The pet pitch invaders are waiting to find new homes after they unleashed themselves onto the screens of football fans tuned in to an online video game stream Gamers were met with the "cutest pitch invasion ever" after dogs raced onto the field during a live game. While the pooch pitch invasion was a rare sight, it was made all the more bizarre as it happened during an online football match. The eight computer-generated dogs were all avatars of real dogs in need of a new home. The pitch invasion was part of a campaign from Pedigree and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, designed to give rescues a second chance at finding a forever family. Viewers and gamers watched as the flash mob stopped the game of EA Sports FC 25 during a stream on the video platform Twitch. The Battersea furry crew was led by generated Billy, Larry and Teddy. All of the squad have real-life counterparts that are searching for a new home. The move was part of a concentrated effort to get more dogs into forever homes. Twitch gamer Bateson87, real name Jamie Bateson, said: "I've always backed an underdog's comeback—whether it's bringing a player back into the team, supporting them to achieve epic wins in FC, or seeing a rescue dog get a second chance. The underDOGS campaign is such an amazing idea because it reminds us that comebacks are possible for anyone—or any dog—with love, time, and effort." According to new research from Pedigree, younger people are taking a serious step up to adopt pets in need. Gen Z gamers aged between 18 and 30 were found to be unexpected pet owners with 32 per cent adopting a canine companion and 85 per cent saying they would consider it, compared to 70 per cent of non-gaming peers. The survey debunked outdated ideas about who rescue dogs are "right" for with gaming traits like responsibility (59 per cent), patience (55 per cent), commitment (53 per cent), strategy (31 per cent) and problem-solving (25 per cent) also being great for dog ownership. Battersea Dogs & Cats Rehoming Manager Sofia Papaloizou, said: "Owning a dog can be incredibly rewarding but does require a lot of commitment, training and patience – all things that are needed for gaming too. Rescue dogs are incredibly special and it's great to hear that so many gamers are already enjoying the wonderful companionship of a rescue pet. "We hope that this campaign will not only help find a home for the dogs involved but also showcase how unique every rescue dog is and inspire more people to consider adoption when looking to get a pet in the future." Despite the enthusiasm for pet ownership, about 48 per cent of surveyed Gen Zers have adopted a dog with misconceptions about breeds and ages still being prevalent. Both Pedigree and Battersea said they hope to challenge this and hope to show rescue dogs can be as loyal as any pedigree puppy. Pedigree's -Brand Director, Ed Owen, added: 'Everyone loves a comeback story! And we love telling the stories of these 15 dogs looking for a new home. At Pedigree, championing rescue dogs is part of our purpose and our DNA, we've broken new ground with this campaign by creating canine avatars to reach new potential pet parents. Whilst this campaign has a fun side, there is a serious purpose behind it all – we want as many rescue dogs to be rehomed as possible to the right home and to challenge the misconceptions young people have of the sorts of dogs in rescue centres like Battersea." If you are interested in meeting the dogs featured in the campaign who are still looking for a home, click here. Those wanting to see all the incredible pets awaiting homes at Battersea, here. Not a position to adopt right now? To view the donation page for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, visit the link here.
