Justin Bieber probably thought he was making a fan's year when he handed his pet hamster to 18-year-old Victoria Blair, but the California Hamster Association think otherwise.
David Imber, an adviser and spokesman for the organisation pointed out to ABC that what Bieber, also 18, did was thoughtless and actually cruel.
'No doubt Justin Bieber meant well in delighting his adoring fan with the gift of his hamster, but without realising it he was practicing a form of animal cruelty,' Imber said.
'We have subsequently read that the recipient is attempting to be responsible about caring for the animal, but absent any other indication, in general it is extremely likely that this hamster would have been harmed,' Imber continued. 'No pet, large or small, should ever be ‘gifted’ to an unknowing recipient.'
The Canadian star handed of the hamster to Victoria following his performance at the Jingle Ball in Atlanta on Wednesday.
In a video obtained by TMZ a shirtless Bieber approaches the fence behind the Phillip Arena handing over Pac in a cage.
The singer can be heard making the girl promise to do what he didn't: 'You gotta take care of PAC.'
Blair can be heard replying: 'I will take care of him.'
The hamster - who has his own Twitter page - had appeared in a number of Justin's Instagram pictures after the star first introduced Pac to his fans on October 20, and promised to bring his pet with him to every meet and greet.
Since receiving world's most usual celebrity keepsake, Victoria has been dedicated to the creature posting photographs on her Twitter account of her and the hamster going to the pet shop, having play and nap time and exploring his new home.
On her twitter Victoria explained she did not do anything out of the ordinary to become the enviable new pet owner.
'I waited outside after the concert and he just gave it to me!!!,' the young fan, a singer herself, tweeted.
But her new pet has also come with a whole lot of baggage for Victoria.
After news spread of Justin's decision to give away his pet, Victoria's Twitter followers exploded and she is now followed by more than 10,000 other Bieber fans.
Justin gift also caused some jealousy amongst other Bielebers, who sent her negative comments.
'And I have some haters now but it's okay I'm a strong girl and Justin chose me for a reason!' Victoria wrote.
Despite vowing to bring the hamster with him everywhere, Justin's friend and director Alfredo Flores - who is on tour with the star - explained on Twitter it was just a case of the singer and his furry friend needing a 'break'.
'PAC will be missed but it's time for a break,' the director tweeted.
'You will be great in the hands of that wonderful girl. Thanks for all the great memories.'
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