InstagramUPDATE: On Wednesday morning, PETA released a statement asking for Derick Dillard to apologize for sledding into the cat. "Might doesn't make right, but that's the message Derick Dillard sent to scores of impressionable young children," said Sarah Withrow King, Director of Christian Outreach and Engagement. "PETA is asking him to apologize publicly for his actions and remind his followers that Jesus' command to 'do unto others' includes all of God's creatures."
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The animal-loving community isn't exactly fond of Derick Dillard after he unapologetically hit a cat with his sled, but Jill Duggar doesn't seem too upset with the dad-to-be.
The pregnant 19 Kids and Counting star Instagrammed a picture Tuesday while "out on a date" with her "sweet hubby." Jill didn't acknowledge the controversy surrounding the clip Derick posted just two days before, but countless commenters were quick to bring up his cruel treatment of the cat. TLC declined to comment.
It's unclear whether Jill was present during Sunday's incident, but several members of the Duggar family were on hand cheering and laughing as Derick slammed into an unassuming feline with his sled. Jessa Duggar's husband Ben Seewald even gave Derick an extra push downhill in the direction of the cat.
Although the animal didn't appear to be hurt in the collision, commenters were quick to point out that the cat was almost certainly scared by the unnecessary collision. "How is this even funny?" asked one Instagram user. "I would think you would have some respect for all God's creatures. What a shame."
"Deliberately lining yourself up to slide directly into the cat is not something 'god' would want you to do," wrote another user. "And the horrible shrieks of laughter from your 'god-loving' family are just as bad. Hope you won't teach your children to treat animals like this."
Prior to this unfortunate event, the Duggars seemed to have a good track record with animals. Back in 2012, for example, family matriarch Michelle Duggar wrote on her TLC blog about her kids discovering kittens trapped in an insulation wall in their home and explained how the family worked together to ensure the cats had food, shelter and proper care.
We would say Derick needs a refresher from the family in taking care of the animals, but it seems unlikely that he and Jill will be bringing any pets into their home anytime soon. After all, they're going to have their hands full when their baby boy arrives!
Jim Bob Duggar, the family patriarch, is confident the first-time parents will fall right into their roles as mom and dad. "Jill has been such a wonderful sister to all of her brothers and sisters," he told People. "She always makes activities for the kids, looks for ways to make a dull project fun. And Derick is going to be a great father."
(This story was originally published March 4, 2015, at 6:05 a.m. PT)