PETA defends DeGeneres in doggie flap

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is commending U.S. talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres for adopting a dog from a shelter, even though she gave it away.

PETA officials told TMZ.com they think DeGeneres had good intentions when she gave the pooch she adopted to a friend and her family because the dog did not get along with DeGeneres' cats.

Mutts and Moms, the shelter where DeGeneres adopted Iggy, however, has confiscated the dog, stating DeGeneres was supposed to get its approval before transferring ownership.

"At a time when so many people in Hollywood ... are making impetuous 'pet' purchases, PETA commends Ellen for adopting a homeless animal from a shelter rather than buying a dog," PETA said in a statement.

Although the group doesn't "fully side" with DeGeneres, who skirted rules PETA supports, the organization said the dog should be returned to its adoptive home.

"Ellen was trying to do the right thing in finding the dog a new home," PETA said in a statement. "She just missed a step in neglecting to contact the agency first. We hope that if the new home she arranged turns out to be as good as she thought, the agency will allow the family to take the dog back."