The animal rights activist group known as Peta has got its sights set on the royal family as it brands Prince William and Kate Middleton as “staggeringly out of touch” for breeding their Cocker Spaniel when there is an animal housing crisis.
A photo taken by Kate on William’s birthday over the weekend shows the prince sitting with the family pet, Orla, along with three little puppies.
Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 21, 2025pic.twitter.com/1lgNT1o2pK
The post was accompanied by a sweet message from the Princess of Wales, wishing her husband a happy birthday from her and the rest of their family (including the dogs).
Peta calls out William and Kate
Elisa Allen, the Vice President for Programmes and Operations for Peta, obviously took issue with the Prince and Princess. Speaking to the MailOnline, Allen criticized the choice to breed their dog rather than adopt from one of the many animal shelters full of dogs that have been abandoned.
“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 another dog from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home not too long ago, but it seems William and Kate have opted to expand their canine family through breeding rather than adopting.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have yet to address the statement from the animal rights group although they will probably take the same approach they took with Prince Harry: ignore the problem until it goes away.
The response to the Peta statement
Royal defenders called out the organization on X. One individual wrote, “PETA Are Militant at times” Referring to how the organization can oftentimes hold others to very high standards. Another wrote, “I’m not a fan but peta gets upset about everything.”
Peta is known for being very outspoken regarding animal welfare but the organization isn’t particularly well-liked in spite of the seemingly noble cause. Critics of Peta have labeled it an “extremist group.” Meanwhile, royal author, Lady Colin Campbell responded to Peta’s statement writing, “I see the animal rights terrorists are at it again. Peta has attacked the Prince and Princess of Wales for daring to breed from their dog.”
While Peta do have a point, perhaps there are bigger fish to fry when it comes to animal rights? Attacking the two most popular members of the royal family isn’t likely to win them any PR points, but then again, it doesn’t really look like Peta cares all that much.
On the other hand, many sided with the animal rights group, agreeing that the royal couple were out of touch with the rest of the world. Others simply emphasized the importance of adopting rather than breeding. Whether they like it or not, William and Kate do have influence. They could use their fame to encourage people to adopt, and what better way to do that than by leading by example.
