Simone Biles and Chicago Bears star Jonathan Owens are facing intense backlash after adding a Doberman puppy to their family. The controversy centers on the puppy’s cropped ears and docked tail, a cosmetic procedure that’s sparked outrage from animal rights groups including PETA. The breeder behind the procedure recently broke silence after receiving death threats online.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Simone Biles, 28, shared photos with the new Doberman puppy on December 14, 2025
- PETA criticizes ear cropping as “excruciatingly painful” and “permanently disfiguring”
- Breeder William Regal defends the procedure, calling it “common practice” performed by vets
- The couple now owns four dogs including French Bulldogs Lilo and Rambo
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The backlash erupted fast after Regal Empire Dobermans posted photos of Biles and Owens with their new puppy on Instagram. The breeder wrote, “We know they will be great additions to your families!”
However, sharp-eyed animal advocates immediately noticed the puppy’s cropped ears at the center of the photo. Social media exploded with criticism targeting both the couple’s choice to buy from a breeder and the controversial cosmetic procedure.
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This marks another major controversy involving the Olympic gymnastics legend in recent weeks. Earlier this month, she opened up publicly about her breast augmentation performed by Houston-based surgeon Dr. Kriti Mohan.
PETA’s Detailed Statement Against the Procedure
PETA sent a formal letter to Biles and Owens expressing their disappointment. The organization wrote: “We were stunned when we saw you purchased a dog from a breeder, and judging from the comments online, we weren’t alone.”
The animal rights group continued, “Then you went another step further and had the puppy’s ears chopped off? Ear cropping is excruciatingly painful and, as cruel as it sounds, permanently disfiguring them for no reason other than to achieve a certain look.”
PETA also highlighted that many veterinarians refuse the procedure, which has been banned in numerous European countries. They emphasized that “for every dog purchased, a dog in a shelter loses their chance at a home.”
The Breeder Responds Amid Death Threats
| Breeder Defense | Details |
| William Regal’s Position | Claims procedure is “common practice” performed by licensed vets |
| Stated Purpose | Believes ear cropping prevents hematoma and injury from other dogs |
| Tail Docking Reason | Says long tails can break and cause significant pain in Dobermans |
| Backlash Received | Has reportedly received death threats on social media |
William Regal, who owns Regal Empire Dobermans, told TMZ that he has been facing serious online harassment over his work for the celebs. The breeder has been in business for a decade and stands by his practices.
When confronted by an online user asking why he still docks the ears, Regal fired back with a blunt response: “Because I can … Next question.” He also stated that Biles wanted the dog for her own protection as a security measure.
Inside Simone Biles’ Growing Pet Family
Biles and Owens are not the only Chicago Bears family members who purchased from the breeder. Bears cornerback Joshua Blackwell and his girlfriend Eva Serrano also picked up a puppy from Regal Empire Dobermans.
The couple currently shares four dogs together. They own French Bulldogs Lilo and Rambo, while Owens also brought his English Bulldog Zeus into their family, which they had before they started dating in 2020.
Biles, 28, and Owens, 30, have been married since April 2023. The couple splits their time between their stunning newly-built mansion in Texas and Chicago, where Owens currently plays for the Bears.
Will this controversy change how celebrities approach animal purchases?
PETA ended their letter with a direct appeal: “We hope next time you’ll be kind and adopt one of the millions of animals dreaming of a better life.” This moment highlights the intense scrutiny high-profile figures face regarding their pet choices.
The controversy also raises questions about breed standards versus animal welfare. While Regal claims the procedures serve medical purposes, animal rights advocates insist the cosmetic aspect dominates the decision-making process. The public backlash shows growing awareness around ear cropping and tail docking practices in the United States.
Sources
- Us Weekly – Coverage of PETA’s statement and breeder response
- Daily Mail – Interview with breeder William Regal addressing backlash
- TMZ – Report on death threats and breeder’s public comments
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.