Reality TV star and former glamour model Katie Price has hit back after an online petition calling for her to be banned from owning animals for life hit 20,000 signatures this week. The petition was started last year and has received an influx of new backers after she was pictured with her tiny new puppy, Captain.
The Mirror reports that Katie shared a picture of herself holding her new pet on Instagram last week and was immediately met with suspicion. Comments included: "Poor dog, being held terribly!"
"That poor dog, being used like an accessory," was another comment. In 2020, Katie's Alsatian, Sparkle, was hit by a car after it escaped from her house and ran into the street.
Last year, Katie's eldest child, Harvey, discovered their beloved family bulldog, Precious, dead after it had got stuck under an armchair. After Precious' death, a concerned animal lover launched the petition - saying "no more animals need to die".
According to the petition, tragedies involving pets is a "common thing in Katie Price's home". Animal rights group, PETA, has also got involved, saying the star should be stopped from owning any more pets.
Speaking to The Sun , the organisation’s director, Elisa Allen claimed it would be "irresponsible and reckless" to allow Katie to have more pets, given her track record. "And any breeder willing to sell to her is clearly putting profit over the animal's welfare," Elisa added.
A spokesperson for Katie said: "Katie can do no right in some people's eyes. Katie has always been an avid pet lover and, as we've mentioned before, Kate would welcome a conversation with Elisa, but Elisa has yet to get in touch."
