Celebrity and model, Katie Price was in Nottingham last week for a make-up masterclass. However, it was her Instagram post that followed the event that sparked controversy.
Posting on social media, the 44-year-old wrote after her trip to the Mansfield based salon: "Loved my makeup masterclass in Nottingham at @sunshinehairandbody1" Adding "I’ll be in Northern Ireland & Ireland this Friday & Saturday". She continued: "wooo see you all soon xx" alongside a picture of herself holding new puppy Captain.
It was the inclusion of Captain in the post that jolted the nation's animal lovers into action. An online petition, which was set up last year, re-emerged and has had an influx of backers.
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Some 20,000 signatures have been recorded on the virtual document, which calls for the personality to be banned for life from owning dogs. Pictured holding the tiny dog in one hand, social media users where quick to responded to the post as well.
Comments included: "Poor dog, being held terribly!" and "That poor dog being used like an accessory." However, other defended the star, writing: "I used to hold my puppy like that so front paws either side of your hand they feel safe and relax".
In 2020, Katie's Alsatian, Sparkle, was hit by a car and killed after it escaped from her home and ran out onto the road. Last year, meanwhile, a carer for Katie's eldest child, Harvey, found another family pet - French Bulldog, Precious - dead after it had got stuck under an armchair, reported the Mirror
Following Precious' death the petition was launched by a concerned animal lover. "A puppy has died in the last 24 hours in Katie Price's care, she bought this puppy for her 13-year-old child 3 weeks ago," the petition's scathing wording began.
"In the last 5 years more animals have died from lack of care. Horses. Dogs. Cats Lizards. Hedgehogs. This isn't a single family tragedy. It's a common thing in Katie Price's home."
It went on to elude to further alleged issues with her canine ownership: "Two dogs have been ran over. Puppies were found dead drowning in a neglected swimming pool. Her guard dog broke into her neighbours garden and killed their chickens. A dog trained to attack people.
"Three weeks a bulldog puppy named Rola was in her care. Nobody knows including her how it died. We need to stop this now. No more animals need to die."
Animal rights group PETA, meanwhile has had its say, also stating that the star should be stopped from owning any more pets. The organisation's director, Elisa Allen, told The Sun : "Given her track record with animals, several of whom have died in her 'care', it would be irresponsible and reckless for Katie to be allowed to acquire another one. And any breeder willing to sell to her is clearly putting profit over the animals' welfare."
A spokesman for Katie said: "Kate can do no right in some people's eyes; Kate has always been an avid pet lover and as we've mentioned before Kate would welcome a conversation with PETA organisational director, Elisa Allen, but Elisa has yet to get in touch."
