A St. Charles County pet sitter is facing a criminal charge after a five-year-old Yorkshire terrier named Rosie died while her owners were on vacation in 2025. Prosecutors say court filings, video evidence, and a pathology report together raise serious questions about how the dog was treated while in the sitter's care.
Video At Center Of Abuse Allegations
According to FOX 2, filings reviewed by prosecutors include a video that shows Rosie being wrestled, gasping and choking, and being struck and banged on the floor about 10 times. The same court records reference a pathology report that found bleeding in Rosie's abdomen after she died.
Prosecutor: Video Shows Animal Abuse
St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Joe McCulloch told FOX 2 that the footage "reveals animal abuse" and said his office is treating the evidence seriously. Court documents identify the defendant as 21-year-old Gabrielle Hopp, who was charged in February with one count of animal abuse.
Charge Level And Possible Penalties
The single charge is listed as animal abuse. Under Missouri law, a class A misdemeanor can carry up to a $2,000 fine and up to one year in jail. Prosecutors say their ongoing review of the evidence will determine whether any additional charges or enhancements are appropriate as the investigation continues.
What Happened While Owners Were Away
Court filings state that Rosie and another small Yorkie named Violet were left in Hopp's care at a Strathmoor Way residence in Dardenne Prairie in 2025. The owners have said they learned Rosie had died after returning from their trip. Filings also indicate that a voicemail from Hopp suggested she might currently be pet sitting when reporters attempted to contact her.
Case Status And What Comes Next
The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, led by McCulloch, handles criminal filings and victim services in the county, according to sccmo.org. The case remains pending in St. Charles County Circuit Court, and a future hearing date was not listed in the public filings available at the time of reporting.
Neighbors and animal advocates say the case highlights concerns about vetting and oversight of in-home pet sitters. Local officials will decide whether the existing evidence supports any additional legal action. This story will be updated if court records list a hearing date or prosecutors file new charges.
