Animal rights organization PETA has publicly criticized Olympic gymnast Simone Biles for acquiring a puppy with cropped ears. The controversy arose after Biles shared a photo of herself with her husband, Jonathan Owens, and their new dog on social media platform X. PETA’s statement condemned Biles for not adopting a dog from a shelter, asserting that her choice perpetuates the ongoing crisis of homeless animals.
In its post, PETA remarked, “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 argued that such actions send a negative message regarding the welfare of dogs in shelters, emphasizing the importance of adoption over purchasing pets from breeders.
The animal rights group further stated, “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 criticism highlights a broader issue within pet ownership, focusing on the ethical implications of breeding practices.
As the public response continues to evolve, Newsweek has reached out to TEAM USA for comments on the matter. The inquiry was made via email outside of normal working hours, and no official response has been received yet.
The discussion surrounding Biles’ decision reflects a growing awareness of animal welfare issues. Advocates argue that adopting pets from shelters not only helps reduce the number of homeless animals but also promotes responsible pet ownership and care.
This situation has sparked conversations about celebrity influence on animal welfare. With high-profile figures like Biles in the spotlight, their choices can significantly impact public attitudes toward adoption and responsible breeding practices.
As this story develops, it remains to be seen how Biles will address the criticism from PETA and whether it will influence her followers’ views on pet ownership.
