Lily Allen has found herself defending her actions following a wave of controversy sparked by her recent comments about returning a dog she had adopted after it ate her family's passports. The English singer-songwriter took to Instagram on Sunday to express her distress and address the backlash she has faced from online critics.

Allen's ordeal began during a Thursday episode of her podcast "Miss Me?" where she openly discussed adopting a dog during the Covid-19 pandemic, only to later return it after it consumed the family passports. While some publications ran articles highlighting her comments, it was the public's reaction that led Allen to post a statement on Instagram, denouncing the distorted portrayal of her words meant to generate anger.

In her podcast, Allen had mentioned that the dog, named Mary, was poorly behaved, and despite her best efforts, it didn't work out. The incident with the passports became the final straw for Allen, prompting her to return the dog to the shelter. Allen stressed that several tabloids failed to include this crucial detail in their reports.

Unfortunately, the backlash Allen received went beyond criticism, as she revealed receiving abhorrent messages and even death threats. The onslaught impacted both her and her family, leaving them understandably shaken by the severity of the online vitriol.

The controversy began innocently enough when Allen mentioned her family's consideration of adopting a Chihuahua mix puppy during the podcast. It was during this conversation that she mentioned Mary's passport-eating incident, which resulted in a logistical nightmare and delayed her children's visit to their father for several months.

Allen explained that despite loving Mary, the family struggled to accommodate the dog's severe separation anxiety. They sought assistance from a behavioral specialist who would dogsit Mary whenever they were away. Eventually, after much deliberation, it was decided that their home did not provide the best environment for Mary. The dog was promptly rehomed within 24 hours to someone known to the family.

The singer emphasized that her decision was solely based on Mary's well-being and happiness, acknowledging that they were unable to meet her needs adequately. Allen also stated that she has always been an advocate for rescue dogs, having grown up with them since childhood.

This incident is not the first time Allen has faced controversy online due to her statements. Earlier this year, she stirred mixed reactions when she candidly expressed that having children had "ruined" her career during an episode of the "Radio Times" podcast. The statement garnered both support and anger from internet users who praised her honesty or criticized her viewpoint.

At the time of reporting, no comment has been provided by Allen's spokesperson regarding the recent backlash. Additionally, animal rights nonprofit PETA addressed the situation by sarcastically thanking Allen for bringing attention to the plight of shelter animals. They sent her a mechanical toy puppy as a reminder of the commitment real dogs require.

Lily Allen's heartfelt defense seeks to shed light on the complex decision she made regarding her adopted dog, emphasizing the importance of a suitable environment for an animal's well-being. The incident serves as a reminder for the public to consider the various factors involved in pet adoption and responsible pet ownership.