URGENT UPDATE: Animal rights group PETA has launched a fierce critique against Olympic gymnast Simone Biles following her recent decision to adopt a puppy with cropped ears. This controversy erupted after Biles shared a photo on social media alongside her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, and their new dog.
PETA’s statement on X highlights a growing concern over animal welfare, 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 emphasizes that this choice perpetuates the ongoing issue of homeless pets, urging public figures to consider the impact of their decisions.
This announcement comes just days after Biles revealed her new pet, sparking a significant backlash among animal advocates. PETA’s statement continued, “Getting a puppy from a greedy breeder and cropping their ears is a routine no one should applaud.” The urgency of their message is clear: decisions like Biles’ can influence public perceptions of animal adoption and welfare.
As of September 2023, PETA’s remarks aim to hold celebrities accountable, stressing the importance of adopting from shelters rather than supporting breeding practices that contribute to animal suffering. The organization argues that such choices send a detrimental message to fans and followers, particularly those who look up to Biles as a role model.
While the debate intensifies, TEAM USA has yet to respond to inquiries from news outlets, including Newsweek, regarding Biles’ actions and their implications for animal welfare advocacy.
This story is developing rapidly, and further updates are expected as public reactions continue to unfold. The pressure is mounting on Biles to address the backlash, and animal welfare advocates are calling for a reevaluation of how public figures approach pet ownership.
Stay tuned for more updates on this pressing issue as it develops.
