Back in May, we were informed that Orla Wales, Prince William and Kate’s cocker spaniel, had welcomed a litter of four puppies. The royal announcement was chaotic – there was no confirmation of the puppies’ father, and William and Kate’s office completely glossed over the fact that Orla had not been spayed. No one said anything about whether Orla had been purposefully bred. Orla came from James Middleton, who fancies himself a dog breeder. I don’t think James has any kind of dog-breeding credentials and no one has any idea if he’s breeding his dogs responsibly. Well, PETA has finally said something.
Princess Kate and Prince William have been labelled “staggeringly out of touch” in a scathing statement from Peta.
The charity which describes itself as “dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals” has hit out following the news that the Prince and Princess of Wales have new puppies.
Peta’s Vice President of Programmes Elisa Allen 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.
“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.”
It feels like it’s been years since PETA chimed in on a celebrity or royal story, right? Back in the day, they would issue a scathing statement at the drop of a hat. Maybe someone at PETA realized that they should hold off on making statements every other minute so that their words would have more impact. Because I nodded along to this – I agree completely, William and Kate are staggeringly out of touch. There was absolutely no reason to breed Orla or not get her spayed. There was absolutely no reason not to get a rescue puppy in the first place. I feel like PETA should have more smoke for James Middleton too – while his dogs look well cared for and loved, it really feels like there should be more oversight on his breeding operation.
Photos courtesy of Cover Images, Kensington Palace.
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- The Prince and Princess of Wales visit Fionnphort to catch the ferry to Iona during their visit to The Isle of Munn Featuring: William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: Fionnphort, United Kingdom When: 30 Apr 2025 Credit: Cover Images
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- Concert celebrating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, held at the historic Horse Guards Parade Featuring: Prince William, Catherine Princess of Wales Where: London, United Kingdom When: 08 May 2025 Credit: Toby Melville/PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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- The Princess of Wales, known as the Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, meet with apprentices and graduates during a visit to the BAE Systems’ Shipbuilding Academy to at the BAE Systems shipyard in Scotstoun, Glasgow Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: Glasgow, United Kingdom When: 22 May 2025 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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- The annual Order of the Garter Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle Featuring: The Prince and Princess of Wales Where: Windsor, United Kingdom When: 16 Jun 2025 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
Absolutely! There are millions of dogs killled every year in shelters. Breeding it buying a puppy from a breeder literally means a dog that coukd have been adopted is being put to death.
Cue the people who say they “need” a certain breed.
The whole process of using a female dog’s babies as a profit center is also just too awful. I don’t know how breeders live with themselves.
There are thousands of children in foster care. How dare they use Kate to breed the next line of succession. How do they live with themselves?
The queen invented the “dorgie” and I don’t recall global outrage when she bred her dogs many times over the years.
@Megan, it feels like everyone forgot about QE2. They are also praising the current King and Queen while criticizing W&K. I certainly didn’t expect that. Does Camilla have connection to PETA?
I did buy a puppy from a breeder late last Nov. My heart dog..Rosie..my elderly Boston passed unexpectedly. (she was a rescue) I had told my husband that when her time came I would need a puppy. I adopted a 3/4 toy poodle x Schanuzer girl. She is exactly what I wanted. Now before you come at me let me also say that I have 11 rescue dogs.
In Atlanta GA it’s almost impossible to get a small puppy/dog. Most of them are adopted or pulled by a rescue before they ever hit the floor. I have saved 3 large dogs ranging in weight from 45 lbs 50lbs and the blind bull moose who is 85lbs. Dulcie was taken off the E list. Kami was sick emaciated and heart worm positive. We’ve gotten her thru the treatment and we can have her tested in the fall to make sure she’s negative. Boo was emaciated and *very sick* at the shelter. He would not have survived if I had not gone there specifically for him.
So I felt like I could purchase one puppy. Otherwise I am rescue all the way!
I wouldnt say anything positive about a middleton breeding mill. W&k’s earlier dog, from the carole/james breeding mill? Died very young likely of cancer or another inbreeding-caused illness.
That side eye of Kate is a prize photo.
So many advocate for spaying and neutering. William is so out of touch
As to be expected. When they don’t work and meet the public, they completely overlook the pulse of the nation.
Consequences for the tone-deaf, lazy heir.
Yes you would think that someone who has openly complained that Africans were having too many babies could see that dogs over populate too and shelters are full but you know he is a do as I say not as I do putz.
😂😂😂 love this for James!
James is so blatant in his grift! So the marshmallow business failed, so he’s trying the dog breeding business by using his BIL the future King.
Oh how it has backfired! This will turn off any potential clients for James’ new business. Let’s face it, these aren’t like the Queen’s corgis.
James continues to fail in every thing he touches. He’s like the anti-Midas.
What a contrast to Meghan’s dogs. Willy must be incandescent again 🤣
I’m not sure it will turn off anyone from buying puppies from the future king’s BIL. While I agree with the sentiment of adopting rather than buying puppies, Europeans don’t feel so strongly about this. That’s not my impression anyway. I’d love to hear how this is percieved in the UK, from celebitchies over there.
I don’t know. I feel strongly about adopting not shopping/breeding, but I’m not sure if the average person cares. A lot of wealthy and wannabe wealthy types buy designer dogs as a weird status symbol.
This is problematic and PETA was right to call them out. How much james middleton knows about breeding?? Does he knows about selective breeding and dogs family history. That guy is an idiot and this is one of his vanity project.
We welcomed our newest family member recently.
When the Amazon delivery guy met him, he was like “rescue?” Me- of course! And he sort of did this half smile and sigh of relief. “Sorry! He looks like a pure breed!
Me- “he is! Of 11 different types of doggie. But he’s purely himself!”
Show dogs have pedigrees going way back. I doubt James breeds pedigreed show dogs. Does he even belong to a Kennel Club?
I guess this was meant to be another Middleton grift, whereby they thought James could demand top dollar from anyone who wanted a puppy birthed by the Wails’ dog. Tacky to say the least.
But a clever cover to receive duffel bags full of cash from oligarchs
And people are just so blasé about it too. At my job we have a general message board. That reaches about 2,000 people in my area.
A guy was trying to sell his pure bred puppy. Like it was a ham sandwich. I was so upset, I and others clocked him about it.
But of course to reference @EmpressCakey “Cue the people who say they “need” a certain breed”. That is exactly what happened and devolved in a huge debate. Until the posting got taken down.
I just can’t stomach selling live animals when there are thousands in shelters. Puppies to seniors that need good homes. But people want that designer dog. The same way they want a designer purse.
James is just dipping his toes into businesses he has no credentials for. Banking on the royal connections for free publicity. Gross, just gross. That of course Kate & William lean into and help out.
Go back to selling your crappy cakes and marshmallows, James.
Our doodle is from the shelter and we tell everyone she’s a rescue bc I dont want anyone thinking we paid $$$ for her lol.
but even if you want a certain breed – and there’s nothing wrong with that IMO – but there are shelters with that breed, guaranteed, and there are rescues. You can find whatever breed you want without going through a breeder. I have a friend who runs the main city shelter and she always says to just tell her if you want a certain type of dog, bc there are so many who never make it to the website. (that’s how we got our doodle, we wanted her bc she was the right age that we were looking for but my friend posted about her before she ever went “live” at the shelter. rescued from a hoarding situation and now is the biggest spoiled princess ever lol.)
anyway all that to say – no reason for the waleses breeding their dog like this. Shelter dogs are good enough for the current queen, they should good enough for Kate.
yes, apologies I did not mean to say that only mutts should be adopted lol.
I 100% understand loving a breed. A friend of mine is just obsessed with bull dogs. She has adopted several bull dogs from previous owners. Through a bull dog rescue.
Because they don’t understand how expensive a bully is. Due to all the medical issues they can have down the road. They just look so cute and cool as puppies. People spend the initial $1,200 or more to buy them. Then they get abandoned at a shelter later on.
It’s also owner education too. Some breeds have no business being adopted by people who are not a good fit. A rescue will vet people. Unethical breeders will take the cash and don’t care what happens next.
If someone wants a certain breed of dog/cat, there are plenty rescues that specialize in rescuing on all kinds of pure breeds. People just have to go on the internet and google for specific dog/cat breed rescues. I’m fostering bottle baby kittens for our local shelter for 8 years. The last time I was in the drop off lobby waiting to pick up my kittens from the shelter vet and in 45 min. there were 1 Goldie, 1 Husky, 1 Dachshund, and of all dogs a Great Pyrenees surrendered. I felt so sorry for the dogs. I could clearly see how confused and scared they were. Even when they were told that their pets could get euthanized it seemed that didn’t matter either. People @#$$
Agree with PETA 💯
i love puppies as much as the next guy but there are so many unwanted pups out there. Willi’s dog did not need to produce to pump up her owner’s public image 😡 or pimp James middleton’s dog breeding operation 😡😡
If that larger dog is the mother, she’s pretty thin. I can see her ribs easily. Pregnant and nursing doggos need more calories.
James is a useless twit. He’s a repeated business failure dependent first on his parents for his upkeep then on his brother-in-law’s largesse for a “job” and a place to live.
Mama Carole’s a hustling grifter, Dad at least had gainful employment pre-Party Pieces, & little James is just an all-round loser.
Breeders can get bent. And also Orla? It’s a bit like Pula Sussex no? They’re a dog family too huh? Okay.
Pula is a black lab & was a rescue dog. Not sure what you’re trying to say here.
Pula’s a rescue dog, so is their beagle Mia.
Agree with PETA. Not surprised they put out this release. I am surprised, though, that GB news picked up and published something negative about the Saint Wales pair.
Hehehe, and it didn’t work out again. Trying to take away your brother’s shine can be painful and compromising when you’re so inept. Meghan loves dogs, she always had them around you, she always treated them like a family. The Queen noticed and appreciated it, she even helped with the care. Now it’s the love and affection of the entire Sussex family and the animals in their home are surrounded by love from everyone and are part of their life, their family. Because all the RF wants to be like Sussex, now suddenly and especially WK also want photos and videos with dogs and chickens, because after all “the dogs and chickens are mine, Harold”. When you act for show, you lose the essence of the matter. All of Meghan’s dogs were rescued from a shelter, which was also supported by and so it continues to be. Meghan, as a senior Royal, found a shelter in England and cooperated with it. She continues to do so after leaving, but privately. She promotes the need to take dogs from shelters, advertises them, and dogs appear in all moments of their lives and not occasionally, for show for a photo shoot. Kamila was indeed a dog lover, but I don’t know where she got them from, because she never even mentioned shelters. Now everyone wants to be like Meghan and Harry, who are clearly being followed, and on whom they put so much work to destroy them. As someone said – they scream, spit, vomit and then copy/imitate.
I’m so glad that PETA weighed in on this, because that was my thought, too, when I saw the photo.
Orla should have been spayed. James has no business breeding dogs.
And the Waleses should adopt a rescue dog … Our rescue, a black lab mix, is the absolute love of our lives … I always say she rescued us.
I give them a side-eye for most of their nonsense, but this is too much. They should absolutely know better than to not spay their dog or (worse) choose to breed her. It’s disgusting, shelters are overwhelmed and dogs are getting euthanized every day. So out of touch and entitled.
They literally can do NOTHING right.
We adore our current Golden (surprisingly enough we adored our old Golden) and have contemplated breeding him because he’s the sweetest and incredibly handsome, but we just can’t do it. Pretty much all Goldens are sweet and adorable, and too many hurt, unwanted pups out there.
As a vet, I can say that there is very good evidence against spaying and neutering dogs, even the World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends ovary sparing spays and vasectomies for population control. In Europe spaying and neutering has never been as common as in the US, and yet in countries like Sweden shelters are almost empty, often the only dogs are those whose owners have died. In the US it is a throwaway attitude to pets that fills the shelters, and almost never does a carefully bred animal show up in a shelter simply because a good breeder will be responsible for the animal from birth to death and take it bac
I’m curious, what is this evidence against spaying & neutering?
The only thing I was told about spaying and neutering pets when they’re too young as it may delay closure of growth plates in bigger bones. When I booked my cat’s “de-beaning” the vet asked how old he was and cautioned me to wait another couple of months to do it as he was still growing. I’m not sure what @Linda is getting at, but here’s a very balanced article on the subject — https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/deconstructing-spayneuter-debate
Yes, I don’t hear people be upset about breeding dogs here in my corner of Europe. There are dog shelters in my vicinity, and my sister adopted and lover her dog. But shelters specialized for breeds?? Never heard of anything like that. Howeve, neutering/spaying is common from what I hear from pet owners. (I’m not one)
here in the US, we have animal shelters, but we also have breed specific rescue organizations.
so if you love beagles, Labradors, or any other breed, you can usually find a rescue organization that specializes in the breed that you prefer. we did that with our 2 of our previous pups. we had had a beagle, rescued from a group that specialized in beagles, and when we needed to find a new family member, i found a yellow lab from a different group, specializing in the breed.
most shelters/ rescues aren’t breed specific, but there are options if you have your heart set on a specific breed, but dont want to work through a breeder for a new puppy.
There are no specialized shelters, but private organisations. Just google “breed in Not” if you are German, or “breed for adoption” and you will get links.
I wanted a corgi and tried that. There weren’t any (10 years ago) and I was rerouted to a general site where all kind of shelters and private organisations show their dogs. Fell in love with my George (not named after the Wales kid) some combination of poodle and either terrier or corgi. Meanwhile I have 3 rescues and side eye all people not looking for a shelter dog first. And breeding their dogs? What for? The shelters are full with puppies!
Even Camilla adopted her new puppy from a shelter!
back if they have to give it up. PETA believes there should be no pets. Read Peter Singer’s writings. Their shelters would take dogs in and euthanize them immediately with never offering them for adoption. They even refused to return lost animals to their owners. It was a big scandal, and maybe why they have been quieter. I do however totally agree William and Kate are staggeringly out of touch, but in the US and UK there is absolutely no oversight of breeders, and that increasingly includes puppy mills.
The problem isn’t where people get their dogs, breeder or rescue.
The problem is irresponsible dog owners who don’t get their dog neutered or spayed and an unregulated dog breeding industry and all the issues that come from that.
I’ll never understand people who don’t have their pets fixed.
Good!
In the photo with William full of cardboard medals, Kate really does look like she has something wrong above her eyebrow. Like a little dent. Or is it just an effect of the photo?
PETA’s not wrong here.
They both look like arrogant bitches and I don’t mean the dog kind.