People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) after the freshman "Squad" leader bought a purebred puppy.
https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1214555902545711105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"We really couldn't believe our eyes, because you are a role model for how to live, so we understand that you just didn't realize what you were doing in this case—you couldn't have," PETA said in a letter. "With the millions of homeless dogs out there, you apparently chose to buy a purebred puppy instead of adopting one from an animal shelter. Right this minute, on Petfinder alone, there are more than 110,000 dogs—including French bulldogs—who need homes."
Ocasio-Cortez attracted the controversial animal rights organization's criticism after tweeting out pictures of what appears to be a new purebred French bulldog puppy.
PETA said that French bulldogs suffer from extensive health problems due to inbreeding and that many of Ocasio-Cortez's supporters may be inspired to purchase the pups despite lacking the means to take care of them.
"AOC had a chance to set a compassionate, responsible example in the face of the homeless-animal crisis, but instead, she apparently inadvertently contributed to the problem," PETA president Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement. "PETA is urging her supporters not to follow her lead in this case and to stick up for the underdog by choosing to give a lovable mutt a new lease on life."
Members of the Trump campaign's rapid response team noted that purebred French bulldogs tend to be very expensive.
AOC just bought a $3,000 dog because socialism. https://t.co/4vtk5zl8cZ
— Abigail Marone (@abigailmarone) January 7, 2020