Twitch has temporarily made Aspen Kartier’s channel unavailable after disturbing footage of alleged dog abuse surfaced online, igniting outrage among viewers and animal rights advocates.
The controversy began after a clip from a recent stream circulated on X and Reddit, showing Kartier interacting with a dog in ways that appeared abusive. In the video, she is heard saying, “How you get out the cage?” while the dog yelps audibly in the background. The footage also features loud banging noises and what appear to be striking motions with her hands, though the dog remains off-camera for parts of the video.
At one point, Kartier is seen grabbing the dog by the back and carrying it out of the room. Critics swiftly condemned the actions, calling for Twitch to permanently ban the streamer from the platform.
Currently, Twitch displays the message:
“This channel is temporarily unavailable due to a violation of Twitch’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Service.”
While speculation circulated that Kartier’s account had been permanently banned, the platform has not confirmed the exact status. Twitch representatives have been contacted for comment.
Additional content posted to social media has intensified public concern. An Instagram Story on an account believed to be linked to Kartier featured the same dog, with Kartier’s voice saying, “Tell ‘em that you’re fine. Tell ‘em right now. I’m not playing. … You’re fine. You’re fine and you’re for sale.”
A TikTok video also showed the dog with money being thrown on its face, though this clip has since been removed. Another video captured Kartier responding to the backlash, appearing to deny abuse claims:
“Bro, I didn’t beat [the dog] up on stream,” she said.
Despite the denial, animal rights organization PETA has strongly supported Twitch’s action, calling for further intervention.
“People are rightly horrified by the video in which Aspen Kartier raises her arm several times and appears to strike her dog as he wails, before moving off camera while the sounds of the dog’s distress continue,” a PETA spokesperson told Complex.
“Anyone who would beat and terrify their dog should never go near one. Twitch was right to suspend this account. Now we urge authorities to immediately investigate, prosecute if appropriate, and, hopefully, seize this dog so that nothing like this ever happens again and the dog gets a chance at a loving home.”
The video sparked widespread discussion online, with viewers questioning the streamer’s fitness to care for animals and sharing their horror at the clip’s content. Many social media users expressed outrage and concern for the dog’s welfare, calling for legal action and emphasizing the need for responsible pet ownership.
Twitch has historically taken action against content that violates its Community Guidelines, particularly involving animal cruelty or abuse. While Kartier’s channel remains temporarily unavailable, the company’s next steps—whether to permanently ban the account or allow reinstatement—are not yet clear.
As of Friday, Jan. 30, authorities and animal welfare groups have yet to comment publicly on the situation. PETA’s call for investigation underscores the seriousness of the allegations and highlights the broader conversation about animal safety online, particularly on platforms where viewers engage with influencers and live streams.
The incident has ignited debates about responsibility, oversight, and platform accountability in live streaming communities. It serves as a reminder that actions captured on stream can have real-world consequences, especially when animals are involved.
As the situation develops, followers and concerned parties are watching for updates on the dog’s welfare, Twitch’s final decision regarding Kartier’s account, and potential legal outcomes.
