URGENT UPDATE: Animal rights organization PETA is calling out Olympic gymnast Simone Biles for acquiring a puppy with cropped ears, an act they claim exacerbates the homeless animal crisis. The controversy erupted after PETA shared a photo of Biles and her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, with their new dog on X (formerly Twitter).
In a statement, PETA criticized Biles, 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 group emphasized the negative implications of choosing to buy from a breeder rather than adopting, adding that this decision reflects a disregard for dogs in shelters.
The statement continued, “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.” The outcry has sparked significant backlash online, with many animal lovers expressing their disappointment.
As of now, TEAM USA has been contacted for a comment, but no response has been received outside of normal working hours. This story is still developing, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
This controversy touches a sensitive nerve within animal welfare communities, highlighting the ongoing debate about responsible pet ownership and the importance of adopting rather than shopping. Biles, who has a massive following, may face increased scrutiny as the discourse unfolds.
Stay tuned for the latest developments on this story as they arise. More updates will follow as PETA, Biles, and other voices in the community respond to this urgent situation.
