Aspen Kartier Arrested on Animal Cruelty Allegations

[ad_1] by Mary Spiller February 1, 2026

Authorities say a viral video led investigators to the 19-year-old’s dwelling, the place a pet was recovered and positioned in protecting custody.

Chicago-born rapper and on-line streamer Aspen Kartier has been arrested in Georgia following allegations of animal cruelty tied to a video that unfold quickly on social media, in accordance with native authorities.

Advanced studies that the 19-year-old artist, whose authorized identify is Aspen Easterling, was taken into custody Jan. 30. Investigators say the arrest stemmed from dwell stream footage that appeared to indicate Easterling mistreating a Maltipoo pet.

Police recognized Easterling as a suspect after confirming the handle seen within the video matched her residence on City Boulevard. Officers then secured a search warrant and arrested her at her dwelling shortly after 9:30 p.m., authorities mentioned.

In the course of the search, officers positioned the three-month-old pet featured within the video. Police famous the canine gave the impression to be in good situation on the time. The animal has since been positioned within the care of DeKalb County Animal Management “for defense,” whereas Easterling stays held on the DeKalb County Jail.

Easterling, who performs beneath the identify Aspen Kartier, has constructed a large following on-line, together with greater than 71,000 followers on Twitch. Her channel, nevertheless, has since been listed as “briefly unavailable.” The standing change adopted public criticism and requires motion after the video circulated.

In line with TMZ, the clip seems to indicate Kartier grabbing the pet and tossing it by the nape of its neck, an motion animal welfare specialists warn could cause critical ache or damage. In a subsequent video, Kartier denied harming the canine and prompt viewers have been misinterpreting what they noticed.

“Inform them that you simply’re effective. Inform them proper now,” Kartier mentioned within the clip, addressing the pet, which could possibly be heard whimpering.Animal rights group PETA weighed in after the footage gained consideration. When contacted by Advanced, a PETA spokesperson mentioned that Twitch “was proper” to take motion concerning Kartier’s account, although the platform has not detailed the character or size of any suspension.

“Individuals are rightly horrified by the video by which Aspen Kartier raises her arm a number of instances and seems to strike her canine as he wails, earlier than transferring off digicam whereas the sounds of the canine’s misery proceed,” the PETA consultant informed Advanced.

The spokesperson added, “Anybody who would beat and terrify their canine ought to by no means go close to one. Twitch was proper to droop this account. Now we urge authorities to instantly examine, prosecute if applicable, and, hopefully, seize this canine in order that nothing like this ever occurs once more and the canine will get an opportunity at a loving dwelling.”