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MAFS' Ella Ding responds to backlash after controversial post: 'Disappointing'
"Disappointing with the platform you have not to promote rescue also."
Fans of former MAFS star Ella Ding have said they're “disappointed” with the influencer following her Boxing Day announcement with partner Guy Palermo.
The couple faced backlash after sharing a video picking up their new Pomeranian puppy from an airport in Melbourne after it was flown in from Sydney.
"Welcome to our family Yuki we ❤️ U already," she captioned the video.
While many followers congratulated the couple on welcoming the new addition to their family, some fans were upset the star chose to promote breeding rather than adopting a rescue dog.
“There are health consequences to breeding a dog to look a certain way. Disappointing with the platform you have not to promote rescue also,” one fan wrote.
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“Girl, why the f**k would you pay so much for a dog when there are MILLIONS of dogs that need homes… #adoptdontshop,” a second follower wrote.
“There's so many rescue dogs out there that need a home it's so sad to see you buy of of a breeder, even if it did come from a good home and not a puppy farm... hopefully,” added a third fan.
As another fan expressed their hope that the puppy came from “an ethical breeder and not a puppy farm”, Ella responded, “She came from Sydney! A pedigree show Pom breeder. Of course it was ethical and registered (very well-known breeder).”
The MAFS star vented in a second comment, “Coz everyone is a saint right? Can't do anything right these days. Not even buy your own dog with your own money, and provide an animal with a home and love.”
Others defended the reality star, with one user writing, "Omg. Why doesn't everyone just mind their own... geez just let Ella enjoy her puppy without judgement or vile comments."
"I wonder if people judge others for the brand of eggs or chicken they buy," another said. "Like honestly the dog is clearly going to be looked after. Does anyone want anyone to be happy these days? Ella will not give back the dog because of these comments, so maybe give advice instead of judgment since you all know just ‘how sad this is’."
Earlier this year, RSPCA WA CEO Ben Cave spoke out about the rise of “puppy farms” in Australia and urged people to consider adopting instead. He explained that the animal organisation has shut down endless "puppy farms" with dogs living "in squalor, being bred time and again to make a profit" - as owners pocket up to $180,000 a year from the sale of the pups.
Mr Cave said in a statement on the RSPCA WA website: “However, if you do decide to buy a puppy, never buy online and never buy sight unseen. Always meet your new puppy and their mum in the home where the puppy is being raised. If the seller refuses or wants to meet in a neutral location, call the RSPCA WA Cruelty Hotline. We have just 11 inspectors on the road throughout WA and while the Stop Puppy Farming laws will help to stop these serial animal abusers, we still need the public to be our eyes and ears when it comes to animal cruelty.”
Former Bachelor star and media personality Abbie Chatfield has been a prominent voice in promoting animal adoption over the last couple of years.
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In 2022, she told fans she rescued a senior dog named Marco as “he was turned down a lot when people would meet him at the shelter because he was too old” despite being “perfect” and an “endless ball of kisses and cuddles.”
After Marco sadly became ill and had to be euthanised, Abbie went on to adopt a second rescue called Wally, telling fans: “He had to be re-homed due to no fault of his own or his amazing past owner, he just wasn't getting along with another dog in the house and it was causing a lot of stress and heartache. I'm so lucky to have found him.”
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