Olympic icon Simone Biles is facing mounting backlash after animal rights activists accused her and husband Jonathan Owens of allowing their new Doberman puppy to undergo ear cropping, a cosmetic procedure widely criticized as painful and unnecessary. What began as a happy post welcoming a new dog quickly turned controversial, with PETA issuing a strongly worded letter condemning both the alleged procedure and the couple’s decision to buy from a breeder rather than adopt. The situation escalated further when the breeder’s blunt response to criticism online fueled outrage and intensified scrutiny around celebrity influence and animal welfare.

While Biles and Owens, who share their lives with multiple dogs, have not publicly responded, the debate continues to rage online, raising broader questions about responsibility, ethics, and the ripple effects of high-profile choices. What was meant to be a joyful milestone has instead placed the gymnast at the center of a heated animal rights conversation.

Olympic legend Simone Biles is facing a wave of backlash after animal rights activists accused her and her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, of allowing their new puppy to undergo a controversial cosmetic procedure.

What began as a celebratory post about a new addition to their family has spiraled into a heated debate involving breeders, activists, and questions about responsibility, influence, and animal welfare.

Simone Biles Faces Growing Backlash From Animal Activists

The controversy erupted after Biles and Owens revealed they had welcomed a Doberman puppy into their household, expanding their already large dog family.

Soon after images surfaced online, critics claimed the puppy’s ears appeared cropped, a procedure long criticized by animal welfare groups as unnecessary and painful.

Nonprofit organization PETA quickly entered the conversation, sending a sharply worded letter to the couple expressing outrage.

The letter, which the Daily Mail obtained, opened 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 escalating the criticism further with, “Then you went another step further and had the puppy’s ears chopped off?”

PETA Condemns Ear Cropping As Cruel And Unnecessary

PETA went on to condemn the procedure in detail, writing, “Ear cropping is excruciatingly painful and, as cruel as it sounds, permanently disfiguring them for no reason other than to achieve a certain look. Many veterinarians refuse to perform the procedure, which has been banned in many European countries.”

The organization emphasized a broader ethical argument as well, adding, “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 went on to condemn the procedure in detail, writing, “Ear cropping is excruciatingly painful and, as cruel as it sounds, permanently disfiguring them for no reason other than to achieve a certain look. Many veterinarians refuse to perform the procedure, which has been banned in many European countries.”

The organization emphasized a broader ethical argument as well, adding, “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.”

Breeder Response Fuels The Simone Biles Controversy

MBS/MEGA

As criticism mounted, attention turned to Regal Empire Doberman, the breeder from which the puppy was reportedly purchased.

The company faced intense scrutiny on social media, with users questioning the ethics of ear cropping altogether.

One commenter directly challenged the practice, writing, “Why do you still dock the ears? It’s cruelty and purely cosmetic for human enjoyment.”

Rather than de-escalating the situation, the breeder’s response only intensified the backlash.

The Regal Empire Doberman account replied bluntly, “Because I can …. Next question.”

The dismissive tone sparked further outrage, with critics arguing it appeared to confirm that the procedure had indeed taken place.

The response also reignited debate about celebrity influence and breeder accountability, particularly when high-profile clients are involved.

For many critics, the exchange symbolized a larger problem within the designer pet industry.

PETA Expands Criticism Beyond Ear Cropping

Instagram | Simone Biles

PETA’s letter did not stop at condemning the alleged procedure. The organization broadened its criticism to include the decision to purchase a dog rather than adopt one, especially given Biles’ global influence.

“As long as people continue to buy dogs when so many await loving homes, we will always be in a homeless animal crisis,” the letter stated.

The organization urged the couple to consider the ripple effects of their choices, writing, “Imagine what it’s like to work in a shelter—agonizing every second about the flood of animals coming in and working tirelessly to try and find homes for those who fill cages—only to see someone of your popularity and influence posing for a breeder’s Instagram page.”

PETA emphasized the stakes plainly, “It’s simple math: for every dog purchased, a dog in a shelter loses their chance at a home.”

The letter concluded with an appeal for future action, adding, “If you were set on a Doberman, there are many rescues that would have happily worked with you to adopt one in need…” and closing with, “We hope next time you’ll be kind and adopt one of the millions of animals dreaming of a better life. Thank you. Sincerely, Kasey Bendoni (PETA).”

Inside Simone Biles And Jonathan Owens’ Growing Dog Family

Despite the controversy, Biles and Owens are known animal lovers and currently share their lives with four dogs.

The couple divides their time between Texas, where they built a custom mansion, and Chicago, where Owens plays for the Bears.

Their pets include French bulldogs Lilo and Rambo, along with Owens’ English bulldog Zeus, whom he owned prior to their relationship.

Married since 2023, the couple has not publicly responded to the allegations or PETA’s letter.

For now, the debate continues online, with fans and critics alike weighing the responsibilities that come with fame, pet ownership, and influence.

What began as a joyful moment has instead become a lightning rod, placing Simone Biles at the center of a fiercely emotional animal welfare discussion.