Simone Biles dog breeder defends ear cropping amid death threats

A dog breeder who carried out ear cropping and tail docking on Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens’ new Doberman says he has received death threats online and is defending the procedure as a routine, licensed practice in the United States.

William Regal, who runs Regal Empire Dobermans, told TMZ that the operation is a common procedure performed by licensed veterinarians and that it serves practical purposes beyond aesthetics. He said the Doberman’s historically long tail can break and cause significant pain if left intact, and he argued that ear cropping helps prevent medical issues such as hematomas and reduces the risk of injury if the dog is attacked by other dogs. Regal added that Biles wanted a new dog for her own protection and that, in his view, the couple had done nothing wrong. In a post tied to the controversy, he said, “This is a procedure done by licensed veterinarians in the US. It’s common practice.” He also noted that he has been in the business for a decade and that the couple’s decision should be understood in context.

The furor was sparked in part by a letter from the animal-rights group PETA, which criticized the couple’s decision and urged alternative paths such as adoption. In a communication seen by Daily Mail, PETA described ear cropping as “excruciatingly painful” and “permanently disfiguring,” arguing that many veterinarians refuse to perform the procedure and noting that it has been banned in many European countries. The group also pushed back against the idea that purchasing a Doberman supports animal welfare, pointing to shelters as an option and arguing that the practice can deprive similar dogs of homes. The letter included the line that “for every dog purchased, a dog in a shelter loses their chance at a home.”

Regal’s public response to the backlash has been to reiterate his professional stance while acknowledging the online threats he says he has received. He told TMZ that he has faced death threats over the procedure and that he believes critics misunderstand the practice’s rationale and safety profile. On social media, his company’s account has posted terse replies to critics, including a reply that read, “Because I can …. Next question.” The dual narrative — professional justification from the breeder and strong opposition from animal-rights advocates — has kept the debate in the spotlight as more details emerged about Biles and Owens’ expanding pet family.

Daily Mail reported that Biles and Owens now own four dogs, expanding a household that already includes French bulldogs Lilo and Rambo, as well as Owens’ English bulldog Zeus, which he owned before their relationship began. The couple, who married in 2023, divide their time between Texas, where they have built a home, and Chicago, where Owens plays for the Bears. The public interest in their pet choices comes as the couple are widely followed for their sports achievements and off-field life, with pet-related coverage attracting attention in entertainment circles.

The broader reaction to the incident has highlighted a divide over cultural norms in pet care and animal welfare. Supporters of ear cropping and tail docking often argue that the procedures can prevent medical problems and injury, while opponents insist that cosmetic alterations are unnecessary and can cause needless pain. PETA’s letter reflects a longstanding advocacy position that emphasizes humane treatment and adoption over breeding practices. The Daily Mail report noted that representatives for Biles did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication, leaving much of the public discourse to stakeholders online and in social-media circles.

As the case continues to unfold, observers in the culture and entertainment sphere are watching how public figures navigate questions about animal care, personal protection, and public sentiment. The intersection of celebrity lifestyle choices and animal welfare remains a focal point of ongoing debate, with fans, animal-rights groups, and industry professionals weighing in with differing perspectives on what constitutes responsible pet ownership and responsible breeding.