Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have sparked backlash after importing their new dog from Russia.
Tommy celebrated Molly's 21st birthday by gifting her an adorable Pomeranian, who they have since named Mr Chai.
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But the pup arrived a couple of days late, seeing as he was shipped over from abroad.
"He was meant to be here on my birthday btw guys but he's coming from Russia so there was delays etc..." Molly told fans at the time, as she shared a picture of the Louis Vuitton dog carrier she had been gifted, alongside food and a 'note' from the dog.
Taking to social media, the pair's followers flocked to question why they felt the need to buy the pooch from Russia when the breed is widely available in the UK.
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Suggesting it would have been more humane not to put a dog through the ordeal of travelling, it wasn't long before they came under fire online.
"Are you realllllly telling me that Tommy Fury thought its was necessary to get Molly Mae a puppy from Russia, for it to be a Pomeranian, a breed widely available in the UK, without the dog having to suffer from all the travel... laughable," one person wrote on Twitter.
As another fumed: "Mate they lack any sense - who makes a puppy go through the trauma of a long flight - that's horrific".
"I love love love molly mae and tommy but getting a dog IMPORTED from Russia is pure stupidity," a third penned.
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A fourth agreed: "Wait Molly Mae is having a puppy shipped to her from Russia? There's literally so many dogs sat in adoption centres and they choose to get a dog shipped from another country wtf is that about?"
Animal charity PETA shared critics' concerns when we contacted them.
Mimi Bekhechi, Director of International programmes, said: "A little research shows that the demand for 'designer dogs' is fuelling cruel puppy mills and irresponsible breeding practices that can cause animals to suffer from painful, debilitating conditions - such as hypoglycaemia and tracheal collapse, which are both common in Pomeranians.
"And while dog breeders churn out puppies to turn a profit, hundreds of thousands of animals in the UK - and millions more around the world - are hopelessly waiting in shelters for a loving family.
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"Many will be euthanised because there simply aren't enough good homes for them all, and Tommy and Molly-Mae would have made perfect guardians for one or more of them."
PETA added that they are "writing to the couple with information about the cruel puppy trade and urging them to encourage their followers to adopt, never shop".
They are also asking them to bring a pup from a shelter into their home "in order to save a life and keep their new family member company".
It's worth noting it's not known for sure if Tommy and Molly rescued the pup from Russia, or if it came from a breeder.
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Tyla has contacted Tommy and Molly for comment.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram