What should have been a simple, happy update turned into something far more complicated for Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens.
The couple recently shared photos welcoming a Doberman puppy into their home. Instead of congratulations, the images quickly sparked debate and criticism, centered on the dog’s cropped ears.
That online reaction soon escalated beyond comments and reposts. Animal rights group PETA reached out directly, sending a sharply worded letter that challenged both the procedure and the decision to purchase a dog from a breeder.
According to the Daily Mail, the letter was written by PETA’s Kasey Bendoni and opened with visible frustration.
“We were stunned when we saw you purchased a dog from a breeder, and judging from the comments online, we weren’t alone. Then you went another step further and had the puppy’s ears chopped off?” it read.
“Ear cropping is excruciatingly painful and, as cruel as it sounds, permanently disfiguring them for no reason other than to achieve a certain look.
“Many veterinarians refuse to perform the procedure, which has been banned in many European countries.”
Why the reaction went beyond one medical decision
The American Veterinary Medical Association has long opposed ear cropping when done for cosmetic reasons, pointing to risks that include anesthesia complications, post-surgical pain, infection, and disruption of how dogs naturally communicate.
In the United States, the procedure is not banned at the federal level, but legality varies by state and local jurisdiction, with some areas imposing strict regulations or outright bans.
PETA’s criticism, however, did not stop at the surgery itself. The organization also took issue with the choice to buy a dog from a breeder rather than adopting from a shelter.
“As long as people continue to buy dogs when so many await loving homes, we will always be in a homeless animal crisis,” the letter read.
“Imagine what it’s like to work in a shelter-agonizing every second about the flood of animals coming in and working tirelessly to try and find homes for those who fill cages-only to see someone of your popularity and influence posing for a breeder’s Instagram page.
“It’s simple math: for every dog purchased, a dog in a shelter loses their chance at a home. If you were set on a Doberman, there are many rescues that would have happily worked with you to adopt one in need. We hope next time you’ll be kind and adopt one of the millions of animals dreaming of a better life. Thank you.”
Public attention intensified after Regal Empire Dobermans, the breeder involved, shared photos from the couple’s visit, confirming the purchase and celebrating it publicly.
“We would like to give a monster shoutout to @simonebiles @jowens and @joshua_blackwell,” the breeder wrote. “We truly appreciate you all for selecting @regalempiredobermans to provide you with your new Doberman puppies.”
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