Peta’s missive concludes that “anyone who cares about equality and social justice can help end the sexual exploitation of female animals by refusing to support abusive puppy mills and breeders”.

It then urges pet owners to sign a petition saying they will never buy a dog, and instead opt to adopt.

While some people applauded Peta’s stance, others criticised the organisation on social media for mixing animal welfare with feminism, and bringing gender politics into their work.

And a few people responded by claiming that not all dog breeders are immoral.

But in Britain alone, thousands of puppies are at risk from so-called “backstreet breeders”, with a demand for “designer dogs” exacerbating the problem.

The UK is currently looking to tighten up outdated animal welfare laws, in order to better protect puppies at risk from rogue breeders.

“Anyone who breeds dogs is being irresponsible and contributing to the overpopulation crisis,” says Peta. “Always adopt.”

Images: Getty

You can't be a feminist if you buy a puppy, says Peta