London, England – Katie Price, a former glamour model, has faced intense criticism from animal rights organization PETA due to the deaths of multiple pets in her care, leading to her being labeled a “serial animal killer.” The latest controversy arose after Price shared a video of her Sphynx cat, which appeared sunburnt following a recent heatwave. PETA quickly responded, pointing to a pattern of neglect regarding the care of her animals.
In the video, Price addressed her Sphynx cat, Kevin, expressing dismay at his sunburn, claiming they had applied sunscreen but still noting his discomfort. The accompanying caption suggested that keeping the cats out of the sun had been a challenge. PETA has previously issued warnings about the risks faced by cats with minimal fur, emphasizing the importance of keeping them indoors during hot weather.
Elisa Allen, a representative from PETA, criticized Price for what they describe as a consistent disregard for animal welfare. Allen stated that warnings about the dangers of sun exposure for hairless cats seem futile, given Price’s track record. “Her neglect is alarming. It’s been shown that light-furred animals can easily suffer from sunburn,” Allen remarked, adding that even when outdoors, proper precautions such as vet-approved sunscreen and adequate shade are crucial.
This is not the first time that PETA has condemned Price’s pet care practices. Following her acquisition of a Sphynx kitten named Daisy in late 2022, the organization called for a legal injunction to prevent her from owning further animals. Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA, expressed concerns about Price’s ability to provide a safe environment for her pets, emphasizing the grievous consequences that have already occurred under her watch.
Over the years, several tragic incidents involving Price’s pets have raised eyebrows. In the past, four dogs belonging to her were killed in traffic incidents near her residence. Additionally, one of her horses lost its life after escaping and being struck by a vehicle. In 2020, a dog named Rolo suffocated after getting caught in an electric armchair. Price later revealed that she had administered cannabis oil to Rolo, claiming ignorance about the need for veterinary supervision in this regard.
The deaths extend beyond dogs; Price has also mourned a chameleon that passed away and made a difficult decision to euthanize her designer cat, Frog, which suffered from a neurological condition. Reflecting on the experience in her memoir, Price explained how she held Frog during the process, which has added to the narrative surrounding her relationship with her animals.
As controversies around her pet ownership continue to unfold, the question of accountability in animal care practices remains central. Animal welfare advocates hope for greater awareness and responsibility among pet owners, particularly those in the public eye, to ensure similar tragedies do not happen again.