Kate Middleton and Prince William attacked by activists with 'ridiculous' pet complaint

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been targeted by animal rights activists who have called them "out of touch" for breeding their pet dog.

Campaigners from the outspoken group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) criticised the couple for "churning out a litter" saying that there are already dogs at animal shelters needing new homes.

To mark Prince William's birthday last week, a new picture of him surrounded by Orla and her puppies, taken by Kate, was released to mark the occasion. The previously unseen photo was accompanied with the message: "Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies" - with the initials referring to the fact it was a private message from Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

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But Peta suggests that rather than breeding their dog, the royal couple should have adopted a pet, in the same way the King and Queen took in their latest dog, Moley, from Battersea Dog and Cats Home.

In a statement, 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.

"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."

Peta is known for being controversial, with some claiming it is a "political protest group" - although it insists its aim has always been to "reduce animal suffering".

But following its criticism, many have jumped to the defence of William and Kate with one saying on X: "Promoting adoption is great - but shaming others for not doing exactly what you want? That's your out-of-touch moment."

While another added: "Prince William and Catherine are free to breed puppies if they want to. There are bigger problems in the world that Peta can attack." Kensington Palace declined to comment.

Orla has been part of the Wales family since 2020 and joined their other dog Lupo, who unexpectedly died shortly after. It has been reported that William and Kate may choose to keep one of the puppies as a new addition to their family.

Queen Camilla has rescued dogs in the past, including her beloved Jack Russells Beth and Bluebell. Last year, it was announced that Beth had sadly died.

But earlier this year, Camilla revealed she had adopted a new dog, named Moley. It is understood that Moley was born on Boxing Day and Camilla adopted her from Battersea Dogs and Cats home. Her mother is half Jack Russell, half unknown, while her father's breed is unknown.

Speaking during a visit to Canterbury in February, she told a wellwisher: "I've just got a new puppy, she's eight weeks old. When asked what breed the dog was, the Queen laughed and said: "You may well ask, a bit of everything. It's a rescue dog. It's called Moley - it looks just like a mole."

Meanwhile, the late Queen was also known as a huge dog lover, owning 30 corgis during her lifetime. Many were descendants of her first corgi Susan.