Animal rights organization PETA has publicly criticized gymnast Simone Biles for acquiring a puppy with cropped ears from a breeder. The condemnation follows a photo shared on social media, where Biles is seen with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, alongside their new pet.
PETA’s statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, emphasized that Biles could have made a positive impact by adopting a dog rather than purchasing one from a breeder. The organization stated, “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 group further elaborated, saying, “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.” This strong denunciation highlights ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare and the ethics of breeding practices.
PETA has long advocated for the adoption of pets from shelters, arguing that this choice helps alleviate the homeless animal crisis. The organization encourages potential pet owners to consider the implications of their decisions on animals in need.
As of now, Newsweek has reached out to TEAM USA for further comment regarding this situation outside of regular working hours. Biles, a celebrated athlete and Olympic champion, has not publicly responded to PETA’s remarks.
The controversy surrounding Biles’ choice to buy a puppy rather than adopt reflects broader societal debates on animal rights and responsible pet ownership. As the conversation unfolds, advocates and critics alike are paying close attention to how public figures like Biles influence perceptions of animal welfare.
This story is still developing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
