Overview
- An image circulating on social media appeared to show the couple’s Doberman puppy with cropped ears, drawing widespread pushback from animal-welfare advocates.
- In a letter published by the Daily Mail, PETA called ear cropping “excruciatingly painful,” noting many veterinarians refuse to perform it and that the practice is banned in parts of Europe.
- Regal Empire Doberman, the breeder, replied to questions about the ear cropping with “Because I can,” and defended the procedure on its social-media account.
- The Daily Mail reported it has requested comment from Simone Biles’ representatives, and no public response from the couple has been issued.
- Coverage notes the purchase from a breeder known for celebrity clients as PETA argues that buying dogs reduces the chances for shelter animals to be adopted.