Aspen Kartier arrested for animal cruelty following viral video showing disturbing behavior towards animals.
Rapper and Twitch streamer Aspen Kartier, known legally as Aspen Easterling, was arrested on Friday in Brookhaven, Georgia, and charged with animal cruelty following the emergence of a distressing video that purportedly showed her physically abusing her puppy. The 19-year-old social media figure was taken into custody shortly before 11 PM and subsequently booked at the DeKalb County Jail, where she remained until her release around 5 PM on Saturday.
The arrest came after Brookhaven Police received a plethora of complaints regarding the viral footage. Authorities gathered enough evidence to secure a search warrant for Kartier’s residence. The controversial video, which has sparked outrage across various online communities, appears to feature Kartier questioning her three-month-old Maltipoo about how he managed to escape his cage. It then allegedly shows her striking the puppy several times, with audible cries in the background. The footage reportedly concludes with her picking up the puppy by the scruff of its neck and removing it from the room.
Following the release of the video, Twitch suspended Kartier from its platform through at least mid-March, in response to the widespread backlash and ongoing investigations into the incident. PETA, the well-known animal rights organization, also expressed their condemnation of the behavior depicted in the video. They called for an immediate investigation and collaborated with local authorities to ensure appropriate actions were taken, stating they played a role in securing the arrest and rescuing the dog.
In a post on social media, PETA thanked those who raised awareness regarding the case, urging individuals to remain vocal against animal abuse. The organization emphasized the importance of speaking out when witnessing such acts.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Kartier has publicly denied causing harm to her puppy. In a video response to the backlash, she refuted claims of abuse, asserting that the dog was not traumatized. In an attempt to demonstrate the puppy’s well-being, she picked up the dog and encouraged viewers to judge its state.
Currently, the Maltipoo is under the care of DeKalb County Animal Control as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident. This case has drawn significant attention, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners in the digital age. Media News Source.
