Simone Biles Criticized for Acquiring Puppy with Cropped Ears from Breeder
Simone Biles is receiving criticism for acquiring her new puppy from a breeder after the dog underwent a contentious cosmetic procedure.
Biles, 28, and her husband, Chicago Bears star Jonathan Owens, were seen with their new Doberman puppy in a post shared on Instagram by Regal Empire Dobermans on Sunday, December 14.
“We know they will be fantastic additions to your families!” the company expressed.
However, not everyone was thrilled about the couple’s choice.
“We were taken aback when we learned of your decision to purchase a dog from a breeder, and judging by the online comments, we were not alone,” animal rights organization PETA stated in a message to Us Weekly regarding Biles and Owens’ new pet. “Then you took it a step further and had the puppy’s ears cropped? Ear cropping is excruciatingly painful and, as cruel as it sounds, permanently disfiguring them for the sake of achieving a specific appearance.”
The statement continued, “Many veterinarians refuse to perform this procedure, which has been outlawed in several European nations. Dogs adore us just as we are—the least we can do is reciprocate and never subject them to painful surgeries like the one your new puppy went through.”
PETA also condemned the couple’s choice to buy from a breeder, stating, “As long as individuals continue to purchase dogs while many remain homeless, we will perpetually face a crisis of abandoned animals.”
“Consider what it’s like to work in an animal shelter—agonizing over the constant influx of animals and tirelessly trying to find homes for those in cages—only to see someone of your stature and influence posing for a breeder’s Instagram page,” PETA noted. “It’s simple math: for every dog acquired, a shelter dog loses its chance at a loving home. If you had your heart set on a Doberman, there are numerous rescues that would have been eager to assist you in adopting one in need.”
The statement concluded, “We hope that next time, you’ll choose kindness and adopt one of the millions of animals yearning for a better life. Thank you.”
Biles and Owens, 30, who wed in April 2023, were not the only Chicago Bears affiliates to buy a Doberman puppy from the breeder.
In the same Instagram post, Bears cornerback Joshua Blackwell was also seen picking up his new puppy alongside his girlfriend, Eva Serrano.
Serrano showcased their new family member on Instagram earlier this month, captioning it, “Officially dog parents 🤍🐾🎁.”
New dog mom Biles is no stranger to sharing her thoughts online. She recently opened up about her breast augmentation in a TikTok video from last month.
“Let’s chat about it,” Biles said, gesturing toward her chest. “I got my breast surgery on June 16, but I know everyone is curious: Who was the surgeon? Where did I have it done? Did I opt for over or under? And what size implants did I choose?”
Biles disclosed that she had the procedure performed by Houston-based surgeon Dr. Kriti Mohan.
“We determined that going under the muscle would be the optimal choice for me based on my inspiration photos for achieving the most natural appearance,” Biles stated, sharing that she chose 310cc implants with “high profile, extra filled [and] silicone” material.
