The four photos released by Kensington Palace to honor the third birthday of Prince George warmed hearts worldwide—except for one picture that prompted an animal welfare group to speak out.
Among the four images, one featuring the barefoot royal appearing to feed his pet spaniel Lupo an ice cream treat was seen as more than just a sweet moment between the toddler and dog. After the photos were released Friday, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) said Prince George’s gesture, while well-intentioned, may not have been the wisest course of action.
“It is lovely that Prince George is trying to help keep his family dog, Lupo, cool in these high temperatures,” the RSPCA said in a statement. “We would advise 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.”
Lupo is not actually eating the ice cream in the photo. While dog-safe ice cream and desserts exist, it is unclear whether the kind Prince George is holding qualifies as safe and healthy for dogs.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Fight to Free Evan Gershkovich
- Meet the 2024 Women of the Year
- John Kerry's Next Move
- The Quiet Work Trees Do for the Planet
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Column: The Internet Made Romantic Betrayal Even More Devastating
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Mahita Gajanan at mahita.gajanan@time.com