Animal rights organization PETA has publicly criticized gymnast Simone Biles for adopting a puppy with cropped ears. The condemnation arose after Biles shared a photo on social media of herself alongside her husband, Jonathan Owens, a player in the National Football League, with their new dog. PETA’s response highlights concerns over animal welfare and the implications of acquiring pets from breeders.
PETA took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to convey their disapproval. They 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 organization emphasized the negative impact of choosing to buy from breeders, particularly those who engage in practices like ear cropping, which is seen as unnecessary and harmful.
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.” Such comments reflect a growing call within animal rights advocacy for individuals, especially public figures, to consider adoption over purchasing pets.
Biles’ decision to acquire the dog has sparked a broader conversation about responsible pet ownership. Critics argue that high-profile cases such as this can influence public perception and behavior regarding animal adoption. The need for awareness around shelter animals and the ongoing crisis of pet homelessness remains pressing.
As of now, Newsweek has reached out to TEAM USA for a comment regarding the situation, but no response has been received outside of normal working hours. The story continues to develop as both supporters and critics of Biles weigh in.
Public figures often serve as role models, and their choices can have significant ripple effects. This incident underscores the importance of promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, particularly among those in the public eye.
