In a stunning revelation that blurs the lines between cutting-edge science and emotional attachment, American football legend Tom Brady has been confirmed to have cloned his beloved dog, a Siberian husky named Lua, through a controversial biotech procedure.
The Six-Figure Secret
According to exclusive documents obtained by The Guardian, the seven-time Super Bowl champion paid approximately £40,000 to Texas-based company Viagen Pets to create a genetic replica of his cherished companion. The cloning process took place in 2022, though Brady has never publicly acknowledged the procedure.
How Pet Cloning Actually Works
The sophisticated scientific process involves several crucial steps:
- Tissue preservation: A small skin sample is collected from the original pet and cryogenically frozen
- Cell cultivation: The preserved cells are cultured to create viable genetic material
- Surrogate mother: The DNA is implanted into a surrogate animal who carries the clone to term
- Genetic mirroring: The resulting animal shares nearly identical DNA with the original pet
Ethical Storm Brews in Scientific Community
The revelation has ignited fierce debate among animal welfare experts and bioethicists. While the technology represents a remarkable scientific achievement, critics question the morality of creating designer pets while millions of animals await adoption in shelters worldwide.
Dr. Jessica Pierce, bioethicist and author, expressed serious concerns: "This isn't about bringing your pet back—it's creating a different animal with the same genes. The personality, the behaviour, the unique bond you had won't be replicated."
The Growing Business of Pet Cloning
Viagen Pets, the company behind Brady's dog cloning, has reportedly produced hundreds of cloned pets for clients willing to pay the premium price. The industry, while niche, continues to grow as biotechnology advances and wealthy pet owners seek unconventional ways to extend their bonds with animal companions.
Colossal Biosciences, another player in the controversial field, has attracted significant attention—and criticism—for its even more ambitious plans to resurrect extinct species like the woolly mammoth.
What This Means for Pet Lovers
While the technology remains inaccessible to most due to its substantial cost, Brady's case raises important questions about the future of pet ownership, grief management, and the ethical boundaries of biotechnology. As science continues to advance, society must grapple with whether we should do everything we technically can, or whether some boundaries should remain uncrossed.
