Lily Allen recently faced backlash after rehoming her rescue puppy, Mary, due to severe separation anxiety issues. The 39-year-old singer took to Instagram to address the negative comments, messages, and even death threats she received following the decision.
Allen clarified that Mary was adopted from a shelter in New York and received extensive care, including working with a behavioral specialist and trainer. Despite efforts, it was determined that their home was not the best fit for Mary, leading to her rehoming within 24 hours to a known individual.
Expressing her distress over the situation, Allen emphasized her history of responsibly caring for rescue dogs and urged people to avoid reacting to sensationalized media reports without proper understanding.
She drew parallels between her experience and the impact of misinformation on society, referencing recent far-right demonstrations in the UK fueled by distorted narratives.
Furthermore, Allen criticized PETA for adding to the controversy, sarcastically thanking them for their involvement.
In a podcast episode, Allen shared the story of a previous dog that ate her family's passports, causing travel disruptions and financial strain. This incident led to the decision to rehome the dog, as it exhibited problematic behavior beyond the passport incident.
PETA responded to Allen's podcast revelation, expressing disappointment in her choice to return the dog to a shelter. The organization emphasized the importance of commitment to pet ownership and criticized treating dogs as disposable accessories.
As a gesture, PETA sent Allen a mechanical toy puppy, advising against getting another real dog.
The situation has sparked discussions on responsible pet ownership and the ethical treatment of animals, prompting varied reactions from the public and animal welfare advocates.