Olympic gymnastics icon Simone Biles has come under public scrutiny following allegations by animal rights activists that a new puppy she shares with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, underwent a controversial cosmetic procedure.
The backlash erupted shortly after the couple shared images online announcing the addition of a Doberman puppy to their family. While the post was initially met with congratulatory messages, critics soon claimed the puppy’s ears appeared cropped—a surgical procedure that animal welfare groups argue is unnecessary and causes pain to dogs.
Animal rights organization PETA weighed in swiftly, sending a strongly worded letter to Biles and Owens that was later obtained by Daily Mail. In the letter, the nonprofit expressed shock over the decision to purchase a dog from a breeder and accused the couple of allowing the puppy to undergo ear cropping.
“Ear cropping is excruciatingly painful and… permanently disfiguring them for no reason other than to achieve a certain look,” the letter stated, noting that many veterinarians refuse to perform the procedure and that it has been banned in several European countries.
PETA framed the issue as both an animal welfare and ethical concern, urging high-profile figures like Biles to use their influence responsibly.
“Dogs love us just the way we are—the very least we can do is return the favor,” the organization said.
Breeder’s Response Fuels Controversy
Attention soon shifted to Regal Empire Doberman, the breeder from whom the puppy was reportedly purchased. Social media users questioned the ethics of ear cropping, with one commenter calling the practice “purely cosmetic for human enjoyment.”
The breeder’s response—“Because I can …. Next question.”—sparked further outrage, with critics saying the dismissive tone appeared to confirm the allegations and highlighted broader concerns about accountability within the breeding industry.
The exchange intensified debate over the responsibilities of breeders and the role celebrities play in normalizing controversial practices through their purchasing choices.
Adoption vs. Buying Debate
PETA expanded its criticism beyond ear cropping to challenge the decision to buy a dog rather than adopt one, citing overcrowded shelters nationwide.
“For every dog purchased, a dog in a shelter loses their chance at a home,” the organization wrote, urging the couple to consider adoption in the future, particularly given their global platform.
Silence From the Couple
Biles and Owens, who married in 2023, have not publicly responded to the allegations or PETA’s letter. The couple, who split their time between Texas and Chicago, are known dog lovers and currently own four dogs, including French bulldogs Lilo and Rambo, and an English bulldog named Zeus.
What began as a joyful announcement has instead placed one of the world’s most celebrated athletes at the center of a charged conversation about animal welfare and celebrity influence.
