Peter Dinklage, who plays Tyrion Lannister in the series, teamed up with the animal charity PETA to ask fans to stop buying the animals.

"We understand that due to the direwolves' huge popularity, many folks are going out and buying huskies," he said.

"Not only does this hurt all the deserving homeless dogs waiting for a chance at a good home in shelters, but shelters are also reporting that many of these huskies are being abandoned – as often happens when dogs are bought on impulse, without understanding their needs.

“Please, please, if you're going to bring a dog into your family, make sure that you're prepared for such a tremendous responsibility and remember to always, always, adopt from a shelter."