Animal rights organization PETA has publicly criticized gymnast Simone Biles for acquiring a puppy with cropped ears, claiming her decision contributes to the ongoing homeless animal crisis. The group shared a photo on social media of Biles alongside her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, and their new dog.
PETA took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express its disapproval, stating, “Simone Biles could’ve gone for gold by adopting; instead, she fueled the homeless animal crisis by getting a dog, whose ears were cut off, from a breeder.” The organization emphasized that purchasing a puppy from a breeder, particularly one with altered features such as cropped ears, is a practice that should not be endorsed.
The message continued, asserting, “Getting a puppy from a greedy breeder & cropping their ears is a routine no one should applaud. This move shows the world that you don’t care about dogs in shelters or this dog you just got.”
PETA’s comments come amid a broader conversation about responsible pet ownership and the importance of adopting animals from shelters rather than purchasing them from breeders. The group has long advocated for the welfare of animals and has been vocal about the challenges faced by homeless pets across various regions.
TEAM USA has been contacted for further comments regarding the situation, although a response has not yet been received as of the time of this report.
This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding animal welfare and the responsibilities of public figures. As a celebrated athlete, Biles’ choices are likely to influence her large following, which includes many young fans.
As this story develops, further insights into Biles’ decision and PETA’s ongoing advocacy efforts may emerge, providing more context to the conversation about animal adoption and responsible pet ownership.
