A DeKalb County judge sent Brookhaven rapper and Twitch streamer Aspen Easterling, known online as Aspen Kartier, to jail this week after she pleaded guilty to beating a three-month-old Maltipoo puppy named Louie during a livestream earlier this year. The 19-year-old was sentenced to 10 days behind bars, a year of probation, and a strict ban on being anywhere near dogs while she serves it out.
Easterling pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals, according to Atlanta News First. DeKalb County Judge Alvin Wong handed down the 10-day jail sentence, crediting her with two days already served, along with one year of probation that requires 24 anger-management classes, 100 hours of community service, and participation in an animal-cruelty education and prevention program. As part of the deal, Easterling is barred from owning, possessing, or being in the presence of a canine for the duration of her probation.
The case traces back to Jan. 29, when video clips from Easterling's own livestream showed her repeatedly striking the puppy and at one point lifting him by the skin of his back, per Atlanta News First's reporting. FOX 5 Atlanta reported that the footage showed her grabbing the puppy by the scruff of its neck, and that officers took her directly to jail from the courtroom following sentencing.
Tips Poured in After the Video Spread
Brookhaven police received a flood of calls, emails and tips from concerned residents on Jan. 30 after the video began circulating, according to WSB-TV. Officers searched Easterling's home that same day and arrested her on cruelty-to-animals charges, per PETA. DeKalb County Animal Control was called to the scene and took custody of the puppy as a precaution, the station reported.
The Brookhaven Police Department confirmed the arrest in connection with its animal-cruelty investigation, according to a statement posted on the City of Brookhaven's website. Easterling was initially charged with two counts of animal cruelty, but prosecutors dropped one count as part of her guilty plea, Atlanta News First reported.
Puppy Found Safety Amid Public Outcry
Easterling's boyfriend, Cristian Denis, said he would relinquish custody of Louie to DeKalb's Lifeline Animal Project, according to the same outlet's report. The dossier notes a discrepancy in how much Easterling owes for the puppy's care: Atlanta News First reported she will pay $3,348 to Lifeline, while FOX 5 Atlanta reported the figure as $3,048 for veterinary bills and shelter care.
The story generated intense public interest well beyond DeKalb County. Hundreds of people called officials hoping to adopt the dog, according to TMZ, which reported that the puppy was safe, recovering well, and receiving care in a temporary foster home. TMZ's report also noted that more than 450 animals in DeKalb and Fulton County shelters needed homes at the time, a reminder of how much competition for adoption exists even as one dog's case captured national attention.
Officials have not disclosed whether Louie has since been adopted or remains in foster care through Lifeline Animal Project. Easterling's conviction will remain on her record, closing the legal chapter on a case that began with a livestream and ended with a courtroom sentence designed to keep her away from dogs for the foreseeable future.
