Aspen “Kartier” Easterling, a 19-year-old rapper and Twitch streamer, has been ordered to serve time in jail and is now legally prohibited from being in the company of dogs following her sentencing in a DeKalb County animal cruelty case. The decision, handed down by a DeKalb County judge, follows a viral incident in which the streamer was filmed mistreating a 3-month-old puppy during a live broadcast.
The court sentenced Easterling to a total of one year of punishment, with the judge ordering her to serve 10 days in jail and the remainder of the year on probation. Prosecutors from the DeKalb County Office of the Solicitor-General noted that Easterling was credited for two days already served and was taken into custody immediately following the court appearance to serve the remainder of her jail time. Notably, the judge rejected a request for Easterling to be treated as a first-time offender, ensuring that the conviction will remain a permanent part of her criminal record. While she faced multiple counts, a second animal cruelty charge was dropped as part of the legal proceedings.
The terms of Easterling’s probation are exceptionally strict regarding animal contact. She is prohibited from owning, caring for, or even being in the same room as a dog. To ensure compliance, authorities will conduct unannounced visits and random checks at her residence. Furthermore, under Georgia state law, the conviction triggers an automatic five-year ban on owning any pets.
Beyond the confinement and pet restrictions, the sentence includes several rehabilitative and financial requirements. Easterling must complete 24 anger management classes, perform 100 hours of community service, and finish a specialized animal abuse prevention program. Financially, she was ordered to pay $3,048 to cover the veterinary and shelter costs for the puppy at LifeLine Animal Project, along with $39 monthly probation fees. The Solicitor-General’s Office characterized the sentencing as a non-negotiated agreement, mentioning that prosecutors had argued for an even stiffer penalty.
The case originated in January after the Brookhaven Police Department received a surge of tips regarding a disturbing Twitch stream. Video clips that circulated widely online showed Easterling repeatedly striking a young Maltipoo puppy and lifting the animal by the scruff of its neck. Following an investigation, police arrested Easterling at a residence on Town Boulevard and transferred the puppy to DeKalb County Animal Control. The incident led to a swift suspension of her Twitch account.
During the legal process, both Easterling and a second unidentified individual who claimed ownership of the dog surrendered all legal rights to the animal. While the puppy was initially treated for its injuries and cared for by the LifeLine Animal Project, officials have not publicly confirmed whether the Maltipoo has since been adopted into a permanent home or remains in the foster care system.
