Overview
- Photos of Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens with a Doberman puppy showing cropped ears and a docked tail were shared by the breeder on Dec. 16.
- PETA issued a public letter calling the procedures painful mutilation and urged the couple to choose adoption over purchasing from a breeder.
- Breeder William Regal of Regal Empire Dobermans told TMZ the surgeries were performed by licensed veterinarians and are common practice.
- Regal said he has received death threats and attempts to shut down his business, while arguing the alterations prevent injuries and that Biles wanted a protective companion.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association says ear cropping and tail docking offer no health benefits, and widespread online criticism continues as the couple has not commented.