Simone Biles is under fire after claims regarding her puppy surfaced

Olympic icon Simone Biles is encountering significant criticism after animal rights advocates alleged that she and her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, permitted their new puppy to undergo a contentious cosmetic procedure.

A post intended to celebrate a new family member has unexpectedly turned into a contentious discussion among breeders, activists, and concerns regarding responsibility, influence, and animal welfare.

Simone Biles Encounters Increasing Criticism From Animal Activists

The controversy arose when Biles and Owens announced the addition of a Doberman puppy to their home, further enlarging their already substantial dog family.

Shortly after images emerged online, critics asserted that the puppy’s ears seemed cropped, a procedure that has faced longstanding criticism from animal welfare organizations for being unnecessary and painful.

The nonprofit organization PETA swiftly joined the discussion, dispatching a strongly phrased letter to the couple conveying their indignation.

The letter, which the Daily Mail obtained, began with, “We were stunned when we saw you purchased a dog from a breeder, and judging from the comments online, we weren’t alone,” before intensifying the criticism with, “Then you went another step further and had the puppy’s ears chopped off?”

PETA denounces ear cropping as inhumane and unwarranted.

PETA condemned the procedure in detail, stating, “Ear cropping is excruciatingly painful and, as cruel as it sounds, permanently disfiguring them for no reason other than to achieve a certain look.” A number of veterinarians decline to carry out the procedure, which has been prohibited in several European nations.

The organization highlighted a more extensive ethical perspective, stating, “Dogs love us just the way we are – the very least we can do is return the favor and never subject them to mutilation surgeries like the one your new puppy endured.”

PETA condemned the procedure in detail, stating, “Ear cropping is excruciatingly painful and, as cruel as it sounds, permanently disfiguring them for no reason other than to achieve a certain look.” A number of veterinarians decline to carry out the procedure, which has been prohibited in several European nations.

The organization highlighted a more expansive ethical perspective, stating, “Dogs love us just the way we are – the very least we can do is return the favor and never subject them to mutilation surgeries like the one your new puppy endured.”

The response from the breeder intensifies the controversy surrounding Simone Biles.

As criticism increased, focus shifted to Regal Empire Doberman, the breeder from whom the puppy was allegedly bought.

The company encountered significant criticism on social media, as users raised concerns about the ethics surrounding ear cropping.

One commenter directly questioned the practice, stating, “Why do you still dock the ears?” It is an act of cruelty, driven solely by cosmetic desires for human pleasure.

The breeder’s response did not calm the situation; instead, it only heightened the backlash.

The Regal Empire Doberman account responded curtly, “Because I can …. Next question.”

The dismissive tone ignited additional outrage, as critics contended it seemed to validate that the procedure had actually occurred.

The reply has sparked renewed discussion regarding the impact of celebrities and the responsibility of breeders, especially in cases involving prominent clients.

For numerous critics, the exchange represented a broader issue within the designer pet industry.

PETA Broadens Its Critique Beyond Ear Cropping

PETA’s letter went beyond merely condemning the alleged procedure. The organization expanded its critique to encompass the choice to buy a dog instead of adopting, particularly in light of Biles’ worldwide impact.

“As long as individuals persist in purchasing dogs while countless others await caring homes, we will perpetually face a crisis of homeless animals,” the letter expressed.

The organization encouraged the couple to reflect on the broader implications of their decisions, stating, “Consider the experience of working in a shelter—constantly distressed by the influx of animals and dedicating every effort to secure homes for those in cages—only to witness someone of your stature and influence featured on a breeder’s Instagram page.”

PETA clearly highlighted the issue, stating, “It’s simple math: for every dog purchased, a dog in a shelter loses their chance at a home.”

The letter wrapped up with a call for future engagement, stating, “If you were inclined towards a Doberman, there are numerous rescues that would have eagerly collaborated with you to adopt one in need…” and concluding with, “We hope that next time you’ll show kindness and consider adopting one of the millions of animals dreaming of a better life.” Thank you very much. Best regards, Kasey Bendoni from PETA.

Exploring the Expanding Canine Family of Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens