Kate and Wills accused of animal cruelty over picture of George feeding their spaniel ice cream – because dogs are allergic to dairy
Angry Twitter users slam Prince's innocent gesture
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have come under fire today from angry Twitter users - for allowing Prince George to feed their family dog Lupo an ice cream.
The royal couple were criticised for the move after Kensington Palace released new pictures of the young Prince in honour of his third birthday.
Earlier today the couple released four pictures of adorable Prince George as he turns three, pictured in the grounds of his Norfolk home Anmer Hall.
The first shows the Prince, who is third-in-line to the throne, playing on a swing which is believed to have been a wedding gift to his parents, while another shows him with family pet, Lupo.
But critics say George's seemingly innocent act of sharing his white chocolate ice cream with the family's pet pooch is actually cruel because some dogs are allergic to dairy.
Experts warn that giving dogs milk-based products such as ice cream could cause them digestive issues.
On Twitter, one user branded the toddler prince a "monarchist monster".
They posted: "Never give a dog ice cream. At worst: it'll die, At best: the dog will diarrhoea everywhere!"
Another said the youngster should "go to prison".
Adult dogs are deficient in lactose necessary for digestion of milk, one animal charity warned.
A spokesman for the RSPCA told : "It is lovely that Prince George is trying to help keep his family dog, Lupo, cool in these high temperatures.
"We would advise people to be cautious when giving their dogs food meant for human consumption as some items, like chocolate, can be highly toxic to dogs and dairy items can be difficult for them to digest.
"Instead of ice cream we would suggest making an ice lolly from pet friendly ingredients. Making these can be really fun for children and the end product is both safe and enjoyable for dogs."
Others however have come to the young Prince's defence - saying you can't actually see Lupo eating any of the ice cream and calling the furore "over the top".
While others just dubbed sharing an icy treat with your dog "gross".
Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director of the Dogs Trust charity, added: "We would always advocate seeking methods to keep your dog cool, but possibly not in the form of an ice cream, unless it is a dog friendly version.
"The cow’s milk and sugar content in ice cream can sometimes lead to digestive issues. Whenever you do treat your dog, do consider the ingredients and always seeks the advice of your vet."
William and Kate earlier thanked well-wishers for messages of support they have received marking their eldest child’s milestone on Friday.
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