Aspen Kartier, the 19-year-old Brookhaven, Georgia rapper and Twitch streamer whose legal name is Aspen Easterling, was arrested on a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge on January 30, 2026, after viewers of her Twitch livestream reported seeing her strike a three-month-old Maltipoo puppy and lift it by the skin on its back. The Aspen Kartier dog livestream drew a rapid police response, a Twitch suspension, and a PETA-led push for accountability that landed the puppy in protective foster care within a day.
What Viewers Saw on the Stream
On January 29, 2026, Easterling was broadcasting live on Twitch when viewers watched her apparently strike a wailing puppy and lift the small dog by the skin on its back. According to TMZ, she asked the dog how it had escaped its cage before grabbing and striking it, causing it to yelp several times. She was later seen carrying the dog out of the room by what appeared to be the nape of its neck.1TMZ. Aspen Kartier Allegedly Beats Dog
Clips spread across social media within hours. PETA’s Emergency Response Team identified Easterling and her address and forwarded the information to the Brookhaven Police Department.2Fox 5 Atlanta. PETA Honors Brookhaven Police After Arrest of Rapper Aspen Easterling for Dog Abuse
The Arrest and the Charge
Brookhaven police secured a search warrant and an arrest warrant for Easterling’s residence in the 1100 block of Town Boulevard. Officers executed the warrants at about 9:35 p.m. on January 30 and took her into custody.3City of Brookhaven. Animal Cruelty Arrest She was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on one count of animal cruelty4CBS News Atlanta. Brookhaven Police Department Wins PETA Award for Rescuing Puppy Abused on Twitch and released on bond the following day.5Patch. Abused Puppy Rescued, GA Cops Honored After Twitch Users Arrest
Under Georgia Code § 16-12-4, a first-offense animal cruelty charge is a misdemeanor, defined as causing physical pain, suffering, or death to an animal through an unjustifiable act or omission. The more serious offense of aggravated cruelty to animals, which covers malicious conduct causing death, serious physical harm, or torture, is a felony.6Justia. Georgia Code § 16-12-4 Easterling was charged with the misdemeanor. Brookhaven police described the investigation as ongoing, and no court dates had been publicly announced as of early 2026.3City of Brookhaven. Animal Cruelty Arrest
Where the Puppy Is Now
When officers seized the Maltipoo during the search, the dog appeared to be in good health. DeKalb County Animal Control took custody at the scene.5Patch. Abused Puppy Rescued, GA Cops Honored After Twitch Users Arrest
As of February 2026, the puppy was in a temporary foster home and, according to LifeLine Animal Project, “safe, recovering well and receiving the care and stability he needs.” He is not available for adoption while the criminal case is active. DeKalb County Animal Services gave no timeline for when he might be cleared, but said that if he is, he will be listed on the county’s adoption website on a first-come, first-served basis.7TMZ. Public Demand to Adopt Aspen Kartiers Dog
Twitch Ban and Easterling’s Response
Twitch suspended Easterling’s account for violating its Community Guidelines. The suspension was set to run until March 19, 2026. Easterling said she was interested in streaming on YouTube or Kick during the ban.1TMZ. Aspen Kartier Allegedly Beats Dog
She denied the abuse allegations in a follow-up video, calling them an “exaggeration.” She then posted content that drew more criticism: one video in which she claimed the dog was for sale, and another clip showing her throwing dollar bills onto the dog’s head.1TMZ. Aspen Kartier Allegedly Beats Dog
PETA’s Role
PETA drove much of the early response, identifying Easterling and passing evidence to police within hours of the stream. On February 3, 2026, the group gave the Brookhaven Police Department its Compassionate Police Department Award, along with a framed certificate and vegan chocolates, citing the officers’ “professionalism and swift action” in rescuing the puppy.8PETA. Aspen Kartier Puppy Story
PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement: “If someone is willing to repeatedly hit a crying puppy on the global stage of a livestream, there’s no telling what might happen when the cameras are off.”4CBS News Atlanta. Brookhaven Police Department Wins PETA Award for Rescuing Puppy Abused on Twitch