Simone Biles is catching serious heat online after welcoming a new pup into her life - but not everyone is thrilled about how she did it.
The 28-year-old Olympic gymnast and her husband, NFL star Jonathan Owens, have been spotlighted for buying a Doberman from Regal Empire Dobermans, a breeder based in Atlanta, Georgia.
The breeder proudly shared snaps of the couple picking up their new puppy on Instagram, and that’s when the internet exploded.
“We would like to give a monster shoutout to @simonebiles @jowens and @joshua_blackwell.
"We truly appreciate you all for selecting @regalempiredobermans to provide you with your new Doberman puppies,” the breeder posted.
“We know they will be great additions to your families!”
But fans weren’t focused on the warm welcome.
Instead, many zeroed in on one detail that sparked instant backlash: the puppy’s ears had been cropped - a procedure that’s not only controversial but also illegal in many countries.
Why cropped ears sparked outrage online
The act of ear cropping is a hot-button issue.
While some dog owners opt for the surgery to reduce infection risks or prevent potential injuries, many experts and organizations argue it’s purely cosmetic - and harmful.
The RSPCA didn’t hold back, stating: “Cropping doesn't benefit the dog in any way and can actually be detrimental to their health, behavior and welfare.”
“Some owners believe cropped ears make the dog look tougher or more intimidating, but the process can have the completely opposite effect on their temperament and can make them anxious and nervous around people and other animals,” they added.
Social media lit up with criticism. One user commented: “Damn - so sad to see this from Simone :( I love so much about her. I hope this is ignorance and she learns and vows to never support breeders again #adoptdontshop.”
Another person wrote: “ADOPT DON’T SHOP!!!! We adopted a beautiful pure bread doberman!!”
“Vile @simonebiles supports animals being mutilated for aesthetics. Genuinely thought she was a good role model,” read another comment.
Breeder fires back amid death threats
Despite the online furor, the breeder at the center of the drama is standing firm. In a statement to TMZ, he defended the practice and Biles’ decision to purchase the dog.
“This is a procedure done by licensed veterinarians in the US. It's common practice,” he said, adding that the gold medalist had done “nothing wrong” and neither had he.
TMZ reported that the breeder had allegedly received death threats over the ear clipping, escalating the controversy even further.
PETA blasts Simone Biles for choosing a breeder
Animal rights group PETA also jumped into the fray, sending a letter to the couple expressing their deep disappointment.
In a statement seen by the Daily Mail, the group wrote: “We were stunned to see the sports couple choosing to buy a dog, rather than adopt from a shelter.
"And judging from the comments online, we weren’t alone. Then you went another step further and had the puppy’s ears chopped off?”
They didn’t hold back on the severity of their claims: “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.”
PETA also urged pet owners to avoid procedures they described as “mutilation surgeries.”
“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. Sincerely, Kasey Bendoni (PETA).”