US activists branded ‘extremist group’ and ‘staggeringly out of touch’ after targeting cancer-survivor Princess for breeding beloved pet instead of adopting rescue dog
Animal rights activists who attacked Prince William and Kate for allowing their cocker spaniel to have puppies were today savaged as “doctrinaire fanatics” and “animal rights terrorists.”
The US-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sparked outrage after branding the royal couple “staggeringly out of touch” for breeding their beloved dog Orla instead of adopting from a shelter.
But the provocative statement has backfired spectacularly, with critics turning the tables on PETA – accusing THEM of being “staggeringly out of touch” for targeting a mother-of-three who’s been battling cancer.
‘How DARE they attack Kate during her recovery’
Royal author Lady Colin Campbell led the charge, taking to X to blast: “I see the animal rights terrorists are at it again.
The British-Jamaican socialite didn’t hold back, writing: “PETA has attacked the Prince and Princess of Wales for daring to breed from their dog. They commend – rightly – the King and Queen for rescuing dogs from Battersea Dogs Home, while condemning William and Catherine for allowing their family dog, which is a descendant of her brother’s beloved dog, to have puppies.
Lady C, who has whelped “several generations of beloved dogs” while also rescuing cats, added the killer blow: “Doctrinaire fanatics refuse to acknowledge that they do their cause more harm than good by trying to bully people for making perfectly reasonable and acceptable choices. There is nothing wrong with perpetuating the line of a beloved pet.”
‘Disgusting attack on cancer-battling Princess’
Former Conservative MSP Brian Monteith went even further, describing PETA’s timing as “disgusting” given Kate’s recent health struggles.
For PETA to attack the Princess of Wales during her battle with cancer over her decision to raise a puppy with her children is disgusting,” the Brexit Party MEP told MailOnline.
“PETA should apologise and withdraw its comments. But this animal rights group has form for outlandish attacks – it’s done to attract publicity and donations when it provides no support to animal sanctuaries or rescue centres.
Writing in the Telegraph, Monteith – who advises the anti-PETA campaign group PETA Watch – branded them an “extremist group” that’s “themselves staggeringly out of touch.
‘Churning out a litter’ – PETA’s provocative attack
The controversy erupted after Kate shared a heartwarming photo of William surrounded by three adorable puppies to celebrate his 43rd birthday on Saturday.
The image, showing the future king sitting on grass with Orla and her four-week-old pups, was signed “Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!” with a paw print emoji.
But instead of joining the chorus of “awws” from royal fans, PETA’s vice president Elisa Allen launched an extraordinary broadside.
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,” she declared.
Allen – who once sent Meghan Markle a vegan leather handbag as a birthday gift in 2018 – added the inflammatory comment: “Churning out a litter in the midst of this animal homelessness crisis is staggeringly out of touch.
‘Take a lesson from Charles and Camilla’
Twisting the knife further, PETA suggested William should follow his father’s example.
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,” Allen said.
The King and Queen adopted eight-week-old Jack Russell terrier Moley from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in February, four months after losing their rescue dog Beth.
The puppies bringing joy during Kate’s cancer fight
But what PETA’s attack ignores is the deeply personal reason behind the royal puppies.
According to the Daily Mail’s Rebecca English, Kate and William decided to breed Orla partly to give their children “something fun to look forward to” during their mother’s health battle.
The Princess underwent major abdominal surgery in January, with cancer discovered during the procedure. She was fitted with a semi-permanent port for chemotherapy treatment and has been “to hell and back” over the past year and a half.
A source revealed: “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.”
Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, have reportedly “fallen in love” with the weeks-old puppies.
A beloved family tradition
Orla herself holds special significance for the Wales family. The black cocker spaniel was a gift from Kate’s brother James Middleton in 2020, arriving shortly before their previous dog Lupo died.
Lupo – also bred by James – had been a “belated wedding present” in 2011 and featured in several iconic family photos, including the first official picture of baby Prince George.
The dogs are descendants of James’s own beloved pets, making them part of a cherished Middleton family line stretching back years.
‘Extremist group pushing propaganda’
Monteith’s criticism of PETA goes beyond this incident. He’s previously accused them of being an “extremist animal rights group pushing one-sided propaganda into schools.”
It is the Waleses who are supremely in-touch with their role as parents building a caring family, while the virtue-signalling headline grabbers are themselves staggeringly out of touch,” he wrote today.
He called on PETA to apologise but predicted: “This animal rights group has form for outlandish attacks – it’s done to attract publicity and donations.
PETA hits back at ‘terrorists’ label
Responding to the backlash, PETA’s Allen defended the organisation, insisting their aim “is, and always has been, to reduce animal suffering.”
She pointed out that PETA has been a UK registered charity for nearly 30 years and is backed by more than nine million members and supporters globally.
Allen added that they had convinced hundreds of designers and retailers to drop fur, angora and wild-animal skins during that time.
Ironically, just last December PETA honoured William in its 2024 Fashion Awards, giving him the “Red Carpet Award” for wearing eco-friendly trainers to the Earthshot Prize.
Royal silence speaks volumes
Kensington Palace has declined to comment on the row – a dignified response that speaks volumes about how seriously they take PETA’s provocative statement.
Meanwhile, royal fans have rallied behind the couple, with one posting: “My heart just exploded. Happy Birthday!” in response to the puppy photo.
Another added: “What a joyful photo. Happy birthday to HRH Prince William.
The real issue: A family healing together
As Lady Colin Campbell pointed out, there’s “nothing wrong with perpetuating the line of a beloved pet” – especially when that pet brings joy to three young children whose mother has been fighting cancer.
The sight of George, Charlotte and Louis playing with puppies descended from their late dog Lupo must bring immeasurable comfort during a difficult time.
That PETA chose to weaponise this innocent family moment for publicity reveals who’s really “staggeringly out of touch” – and it’s not the Prince and Princess of Wales.
