URGENT UPDATE: Animal rights organization PETA has sharply criticized Olympic gymnast Simone Biles for her recent decision to acquire a puppy with cropped ears. The controversy erupted after Biles shared a photo on social media with her husband, Jonathan Owens, and their new dog, prompting PETA to take immediate action.
PETA’s statement, released on X earlier today, condemned Biles for buying the puppy from a breeder rather than adopting a dog from a shelter. “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,” the organization declared.
The animal rights group further emphasized the implications of Biles’ choice, stating, “Getting a puppy from a greedy breeder and 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 incident has sparked significant backlash on social media, intensifying the debate over the ethics of purchasing pets from breeders versus adopting from shelters. Biles’ decision has raised questions about celebrity influence on animal welfare perceptions.
As of now, Newsweek has reached out to TEAM USA for comment regarding the situation but has yet to receive a response outside of regular working hours. The discussion surrounding Biles’ choice highlights a broader issue regarding animal adoption and responsible pet ownership.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
