Animal rights organization PETA says it will be putting up “head-turning” advertisements in Los Angeles in response to Paris Hilton’s recent “speciesist splurge” on a new Chihuahua puppy.
The organization said the US socialite’s purchase was “problematic” and urged her and members of the public to adopt pets rather than buy them from breeders.
Paris Hilton announced on Instagram that she had welcomed a new puppy to her home, which had been related to one of her late pets – Harajuku Bitch.
“Absolutely in love with my new puppy! He is so adorable and sweet!” she wrote.
PETA knows that retail therapy is what Paris Hilton loves best, but we’re asking her to keep the shopping to baubles and bags… Next week, we’ll be running head-turning ads in Los Angeles, blasting Hilton’s speciesist splurge
PETA
The Between PETA and Paris Hilton
In an article posted online, PETA accused the star of “living under a rock” and asked her to keep her “retail therapy” to “baubles and bags”.
“Paris Hilton recently bought a Chihuahua puppy from a breeder before publicizing her problematic purchase on social media” the article read.
“The star has apparently been living under a rock if she thinks that buying animals is a compassionate thing to do — a visit to an animal shelter would have shown her just how many Chihuahuas need homes — and five minutes on Petfinder would turn up thousands more, including puppies.
PETA
It continued: “PETA knows that retail therapy is what Paris Hilton loves best, but we’re asking her to keep the shopping to baubles and bags.
In their tireless effort to challenge the ethics of pet commerce, PETA boldly stated that “buying animals from pet stores or unethical breeders could result in the death of an animal in a shelter.” They constantly urge individuals to “pledge not to buy animals”.
This is far from an unfounded claim. Let’s take a closer look at some chilling statistics.
| Annotated Fact | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Number of animals entering US shelters annually | 6.5 million |
| Percentage of animals in shelters that are euthanized | 20% |
| Estimated number of dogs bought from breeders each year | 2 million |
These figures paint a grim picture, don’t they? It’s not a leap to conclude that every animal purchased from a breeder or a pet store potentially displaces a shelter animal in need of a home, thereby indirectly contributing to the euthanasia of shelter animals. Hence, the appeal to “pledge not to buy animals”.
“Homelessness is not just a human problem. If you want to bring an animal into your life, always adopt from a shelter,” the organization wrote.
Adopting Instead of Shopping
In the world of animal lovers, the mantra “Adopt, don’t shop” is more than a passing trend. This simple phrase embodies a powerful philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of homeless animals in need. breeLet’s take a look at the benefits of adopting a Chihuahua, instead of purchasing one from a breeder.
- Contribution to Rescue Efforts: When you choose to adopt, you’re not just saving one life. You’re also making room for another pet in need at the shelter, indirectly saving another life. It’s a win-win situation.
- Economic Responsibility: Adoption fees are generally less expensive than breeder prices. Not to mention the fact that most adopted pets come spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, saving you a bundle on initial vet costs.
- Mature Pets: Many adopted Chihuahuas are adults. This means they often come with some level of dog training, saving you the headache of housebreaking a puppy.
As the saying goes, “There is no love like rescue love”. Adopting a Chihuahua doesn’t just provide you with a loyal companion, it gives a second chance to a dog that may have otherwise been overlooked.
While each method has its own pros and cons, adoption offers a sense of satisfaction that money can’t buy. It’s not just about bringing a pet home, it’s about making a difference.
Conclusion
In an era where celebrity influence is profound and the purchase of pets is as casual as shopping for a new pair of shoes, the Paris Hilton-Chihuahua saga has raised a pertinent question: to what extent should such nonchalant consumerism be allowed when it comes to living beings?
Through their criticism of Paris Hilton’s recent Chihuahua purchase, PETA sought to remind society that Chihuahuas are not commodities. They are sentient beings that require love, care, and commitment.
- Are celebrities doing enough to promote responsible pet ownership?
- Is the public listening to the message, or are they simply infatuated with the idea of owning the ‘latest’ dog breed?
PETA’s critique has opened a Pandora’s box of questions that society must grapple with, and the answers are not as simple as purchasing a trendy dog breed.
Is it not time for some introspection? Are we, as a society, ready to take responsibility for our actions and their implications on these innocent and helpless creatures? The answers to these questions will determine the fate of countless animals around the world.
