What's Happening?
Tom Brady has disclosed that his current dog is a clone of a family pet that passed away in 2023. Brady collaborated with Colossal Biosciences, a company specializing in species restoration, to clone his dog using
noninvasive technology. The original pet, Lua, died in December 2023, and Brady utilized a blood draw to facilitate the cloning process. The cloned dog, named Junie, was created in a few months. Colossal Biosciences recently acquired Viagen Pets and Equine, a leader in animal cloning, which has previously cloned pets for celebrities like Barbra Streisand and Paris Hilton.
Why It's Important?
This development highlights the growing interest and capabilities in pet cloning technology, raising ethical and scientific discussions. Cloning pets can offer emotional comfort to families grieving the loss of a beloved animal, but it also sparks debates about the implications of cloning, including animal welfare concerns. The acquisition of Viagen Pets by Colossal Biosciences could expand the availability and acceptance of pet cloning, potentially influencing the pet industry and conservation efforts for endangered species.
Beyond the Headlines
The cloning of pets raises ethical questions about the treatment of animals involved in the cloning process, as critics argue it can lead to cruelty and high failure rates. Organizations like PETA advocate for adoption over cloning, emphasizing the unique qualities of each animal and the importance of rescuing pets from shelters. The debate touches on broader issues of genetic manipulation and the moral responsibilities of using such technologies.
