Upper Darby woman found guilty of animal cruelty for torturing animals in disturbing videos.
An Upper Darby woman has been found guilty of four counts of aggravated cruelty to animals following an emotionally charged trial that revealed disturbing evidence of animal torture streamed live on YouTube. Anigar Monsee, 29, was convicted by a Delaware County jury after a deliberation that lasted just one hour.
The case came to light after investigators apprehended Monsee in January 2024. She confessed that she had been butchering animals in a manner she claimed was culturally taught to her in her native Liberia. This claim, however, was met with skepticism by Assistant District Attorney Hannah Wylesol. The prosecution presented graphic video evidence showing Monsee engaging in horrific acts, including live-plucking a pigeon and a chicken, as well as using an improperly sharpened knife to decapitate birds and a rabbit in a manner Wylesol described as painful and prolonged.
The jury viewed a particularly shocking video where Monsee could be seen laughing while disemboweling three small frogs that were still alive. Wylesol characterized the footage as brutal and emphasized that Monsee was fully aware of the suffering she was inflicting, actively seeking likes and views from her online audience during the acts.
In contrast, Monsee’s defense attorney, Ian Pulz, argued for her acquittal, positing that the prosecution had disregarded Monsee’s cultural upbringing and portrayed her actions as immoral. He argued that the videos should be viewed through the lens of traditional food preparation practices, likening her actions to hunters and chefs working with live seafood. Pulz contended that the common public understanding of cooking differs significantly from the intent behind Monsee’s videos, suggesting that her actions stemmed from a mother’s desire to share cultural culinary practices rather than a malicious intent to cause harm.
Despite the defense’s arguments, the jury ultimately rejected the notion that cultural context could excuse the graphic nature of Monsee’s actions. As the case concludes, Monsee is scheduled for sentencing on July 17, 2024, before Delaware County Court Judge Mary Alice Brennan. Media News Source will continue to follow developments in this case, highlighting the broader implications surrounding animal welfare and cultural practices in contemporary society.
