Lily Allen recently responded to backlash from PETA after the organization sent her a mechanical dog and criticized her decision to rehome her dog, Mary, for eating her family’s passports. The situation began when Allen revealed on her podcast that the dog had chewed up all their passports during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing significant disruption and expense. She mentioned that she could not look at Mary and felt the dog had “ruined her life.”
PETA responded by sending Allen a mechanical dog with a note suggesting it would be the only animal she should bring into her home. Allen took to social media to defend herself, explaining that Mary had severe separation anxiety and behavioral issues. Despite efforts with a behavioral specialist and multiple walks per day, Allen and the shelter concluded that her home was not suitable for the dog.
Allen expressed frustration with PETA for “adding fuel to the fire” and spreading misinformation, emphasizing that Mary was rehomed quickly to someone they knew and trusted. She also criticized PETA for shaming her publicly and making light of her difficult decision, which she described as being in the best interest of the dog.
PETA continued to criticize Allen, arguing that her comments sent a harmful message about the treatment of animals. They accused her of abandoning Mary and questioned her commitment to animal welfare, pointing out that her remarks could mislead others about the seriousness of pet ownership.
Allen responded by reiterating that her family made the best decision for Mary’s welfare and that laughing about painful experiences is a normal coping mechanism. She called PETA’s stance “dangerous” and accused them of spreading falsehoods to create unnecessary outrage.
