The breeder responsible for the Doberman puppy owned by Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and her NFL husband Jonathan Owens has broken his silence. This comes after he faced a massive wave of online criticism and even death threats for performing cosmetic procedures on the dog.
Backlash Over Puppy's Cropped Ears and Docked Tail
The controversy erupted earlier this week when fans and animal rights activists noticed the couple's new puppy had its ears cropped and tail docked. Supporters of animal welfare quickly labeled the procedures as cruel and unnecessary, leading to widespread condemnation of Biles and Owens on social media platforms.
The outrage intensified when the prominent animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) intervened. PETA sent a strongly-worded letter to the celebrity couple, condemning their actions. In the letter, viewed by Daily Mail, PETA described ear cropping as "excruciatingly painful and permanently disfiguring" and criticized the couple for purchasing from a breeder instead of adopting.
Breeder William Regal's Strong Defence
As the online firestorm grew, attention shifted to William Regal, the owner of Regal Empire Dobermans who bred and handled the puppy. In an interview with TMZ, Regal defended the practices, stating they are both legal and common in the United States.
Regal, who claims a decade of experience in dog breeding, argued that the procedures were performed by licensed veterinarians. He provided justifications for both actions:
- Tail Docking: He stated it prevents future injuries, as a Doberman's long tail can break easily, causing significant pain.
- Ear Cropping: He claimed it helps prevent medical issues like hematoma and reduces injury risk during altercations with other dogs.
Regal also revealed that Simone Biles wanted the dog for security purposes. He asserted, "She's done nothing wrong. I haven't done anything wrong either." His defence turned sharp when responding to a critical social media user who asked why he still docks ears. Regal's account replied, "Because I can …. Next question."
PETA's Stern Message and Ongoing Fallout
PETA's letter left no room for ambiguity. The group expressed shock at the couple's decision to buy from a breeder and then subject the puppy to ear cropping. They highlighted that the practice is banned in many European countries and refused by numerous vets on ethical grounds.
The organization urged Biles and Owens to consider adopting shelter dogs in the future, noting, "For every dog purchased, a dog in a shelter loses their chance at a home." The letter was signed by PETA's Kasey Bendoni.
Despite the brewing controversy, there has been no public response from Simone Biles or her representatives, who were contacted for comment earlier this week. The couple, married since 2023, splits time between Texas and Chicago, where Jonathan Owens plays for the Chicago Bears. They are now owners of four dogs.
The breeder, William Regal, stated that the backlash has escalated to a severe level, with him receiving serious death threats online. The incident has sparked a broader debate on cosmetic animal surgeries, celebrity influence, and ethical pet ownership.
