After PETA’s Letter to Simone Biles, Dog Breeder Issues Emotional Plea Citing Trauma
Controversy erupted after Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles and her husband, NFL star Jonathan Owens, were publicly criticized by PETA for acquiring a Doberman puppy that had its ears cropped and tail docked — a cosmetic practice animal welfare groups widely condemn as painful and unnecessary.
The dispute began earlier this week when PETA sent a letter to Biles urging her to reconsider supporting dog breeding and cosmetic surgical alterations, arguing that ear cropping causes intense pain and contributes to the broader issue of homeless animals by encouraging breeder purchases instead of shelter adoptions.
In the wake of the backlash, attention turned to the breeder — William Regal of Regal Empire Dobermans — who supplied Biles’ puppy. Regal spoke out emotionally about the toll the criticism has taken on him, revealing that he has received death threats and harsh personal attacks over the controversy, despite defending his practices as legal and common in the United States.
Regal emphasized that the ear cropping and tail docking were performed by licensed veterinarians and that he entered the breeding business more than a decade ago. He insisted the procedures were meant to prevent injuries like tail breaks and hematomas, although veterinary groups argue they offer no medical benefit and are primarily cosmetic.
The breeder’s emotional plea highlighted the personal trauma and stress caused by the online vitriol, saying he never expected the situation to become so hostile and that both he and the Biles–Owens family have been unjustly targeted.
The episode has sparked a broader debate on social media and among animal welfare advocates about ethical breeding practices, cosmetic procedures on pets, and the responsibilities of high-profile individuals when choosing animals, with many urging adoption and rejection of cosmetic alterations in dogs.
If you’d like, I can also summarize PETA’s original letter or outline key animal welfare arguments related to ear cropping and docking.