Celebrities face critiques for nearly everything — from their fashion styles to the number of divorces they’ve had. But not all celebrity critiques are trivial. When it comes to animal abuse, no one should escape criticism — especially not celebrities.
It turns out that the list of supposed animal abuses by celebrities is fairly extensive. Here are a few recent highlights, starting with Kylie Jenner’s treatment of her Italian Greyhound.
Kylie Jenner’s Italian Greyhound
Kylie Jenner recently faced charges that she was neglecting her Italian greyhounds. Jenner was investigated by the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control after she posted a video of a dog whose rib cage was showing, the Huffington Post reports.
Jenner’s video on Snapchat spurred headlines complaining that the model was not only underfed herself but failing to feed her dogs. TMZ reported, “Kylie Jenner — Even Her Dog Is Skinny.” The claims turned out to be incorrect and the charges were dropped.
According to a representative from the Italian Greyhound Club of America, Kylie Jenner’s dog looked normal for its breed. The LA County Department of Animal Care and Control confirmed as much, saying they visited Jenner’s home and there was no evidence of neglect. Following this revelation, TMZ admonished all of Kylie haters.
Kim Kardashian and PETA
Kylie Jenner isn’t the only celebrity accused of mistreating animals. Her superstar sister, Kim Kardashian, was chastised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for appearing in a photo holding a cat by the scruff of its neck a few years back. Kim responded that a pet and vet were on the set of the shoot and there was no animal abuse, saying, “I love animals.”
Paris Hilton and Puppies
Meanwhile, Kim’s former boss and high school classmate, Paris Hilton, who famously carries her pup in fancy purses, has been rumored to neglect her pets. Paris loves pets — and reportedly told Ellen DeGeneres she had 17 at one point — but, according to The Frisky, her employees accuse her of neglect.
Banksy’s Painted Elephant
Animals make charming and stylish companions, which is why celebrities love them, no doubt. Also, animals attract positive attention, usually.
But sometimes the script flips on a celebrity gimmick. Street artist Banksy had a gallery opening in Los Angeles featuring a painted elephant meant to draw attention to poverty in 2010. The elephant was covered in nontoxic, floral paint and had carrots to eat, but animals rights advocates, statisticians, and fans were disappointed in the underground hero.
Banksy’s exhibit was attended by stars and cards were handed out, which read, “There’s an elephant in the room. There’s a problem we never talk about. Twenty-billion people live below the poverty line.” The artist was chastised in the press for his use of the animal and his statistics. The number of people he cited living in poverty far exceeded the world’s total population, estimated at 7 billion in 2011.
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Related Resources:
- Johnny Depp Could Face Prison for Bringing Dogs to Autralia (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
- Is it a Crime to Own an Exotic Pet? (FindLaw Blotter)
- Blackfish: Is Sea World Breaking the Law? (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)