Abused Puppy Rescued; GA Cops Honored In Twitch User's Arrest

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article includes a link to a graphic video.

BROOKHAVEN, GA — A police department in DeKalb County is being nationally recognized for their work in rescuing a 3-month-old puppy authorities say was abused online, which resulted in the arrest of a social media influencer.

Brookhaven Police on Saturday said they arrested Aspen Easterling, a 19-year-old woman known on social media platform Twitch as AspenKartier, in connection with the suspected abuse of her pet Maltipoo.

Police said they began investigating Easterling after receiving "numerous complaints from residents regarding a video depicting the alleged abuse of a dog" at a Brookhaven location.

The video garnered mass interest as it circulated online, police said. Easterling appears to question how the dog escaped its cage.

During the investigation, police said they determined the location was in the 1100 block of Town Boulevard. They identified Easterling as a suspect and obtained warrants to search Easterling's home and take her into custody, police said.

She was arrested on a singular charge of animal cruelty around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, police said. DeKalb County Jail records on Tuesday showed she was released on bond Sunday.

When officers seized the puppy, police said it "appeared to be in good health." DeKalb County Animal Control responded to the scene and took custody of the puppy, police said.

An Instagram clip shared by user killacamreactss appears to depict Easterling telling the puppy, "you're fine" and indicating the puppy is "alright" after facing backlash. She can also be heard saying the puppy is for sale.

Her Twitch channel has been suspended since the incident.

"This channel is temporarily unavailable due to a violation of Twitch's Community Guidelines or Terms of Service," read a note featured on the channel.

On Tuesday, national animal rights organization PETA said it has awarded Brookhaven Police with the Compassionate Police Department Award in connection with the puppy rescue. PETA stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

PETA on Sunday said it "worked with" police to secure an arrest in connection with the suspected abuse.

“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,” PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk said in a news release. “PETA is grateful to the Brookhaven Police Department for enforcing the state’s anti-cruelty law and reminds everyone never to be silent if they see or suspect abuse, as one phone call can make all the difference in a vulnerable being’s life.”

Not only will Brookhaven Police receive a framed copy of the honor, but PETA said officers will also be treated to vegan chocolates.