Outspoken animal rights activists have targeted the Prince and Princess of Wales, branding them 'staggeringly out of touch' for breeding their cocker spaniels during a so-called 'animal homelessness crisis'.
Firebrand campaigners from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) said nobody should be 'churning out a litter' when animal shelters were full of dogs needing homes.
Prince William was pictured with his dog Orla and three of her puppies in a photo taken by Kate and released by Kensington Palace on Saturday for his 43rd birthday.
The picture was accompanied by the caption: 'Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!'. The initials referred to Kate, who is more formally known as Catherine, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
But Elisa Allen, vice president of programmes for US organisation 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.'
