PHILADELPHIA (August 21, 2025) — In Defense of Animals and Revolution Philadelphia strongly condemn the sentencing of Philadelphia resident Anigar Monsee, who was convicted of four felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals for creating and posting torture videos on social media platforms including YouTube and Facebook.

At the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, Judge Mary Alice Brennan sentenced Monsee to five years of probation with no additional jail time. She was credited with approximately 23 months served in custody and was barred from possessing any animals. She must continue in treatment and undergo a psychiatric evaluation if recommended by probation.

Each of the four third-degree felony charges carried a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine — totaling 28 years and $60,000 in possible penalties.

“This sentence is an appalling travesty of justice,” said Doll Stanley, Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner at In Defense of Animals. “Monsee filmed and shared sadistic crush videos for clicks. The prosecutor recognized the gravity of this violence, but the judge failed the animals, the public, and the justice system itself. We cannot allow animal torture to be brushed aside.”

Monsee’s crimes included posting graphic videos showing her causing the prolonged suffering and death of small animals including rabbits, chickens, frogs, and pigeons.

According to court documents, Monsee’s videos featured animals being cut, stabbed, and killed on camera, with her often addressing viewers during the violence.

In one video, Monsee mocked a writhing frog as “dancing,” while she sang a twisted “Happy Death Day” parody and slowly ripped the animal’s active organs from their body.

In another livestream, disturbingly titled “Cooking Lucky,” Monsee aggressively ripped feathers from a terrified bird, hacked her throat, and pinned her to a sink with her feet, while slowly cutting her neck with a dull blade, all while commenting on her growing viewer count. 

A child’s arm can be seen reaching toward a tortured animal in one video. Animal cruelty is a red flag for domestic abuse, and children must be protected from witnessing animal cruelty under the United National Convention on the Rights of the Child. In Defense of Animals contacted the Upper Darby Police Department to inquire if Child Protective Services had intervened on behalf of the child seen in the video, but received no response.

“This is an injustice to the animals who suffered and died for YouTube likes,” said Carol Lutter, who attended the hearing in her capacity as organizer with Revolution Philadelphia. “Probation is not accountability. Our courts should recognize the seriousness of animal torture and the message this sends to the community — that animals’ lives matter and violence against them will not be tolerated.”

Monsee was charged on January 19, 2024, by the Upper Darby Police Department. She was held in custody at Delaware County Prison following her arraignment, where bail was set at $200,000.

In Defense of Animals submitted a petition with more than 18,660 signatures to District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, urging the court to impose the maximum penalty, require a psychological evaluation, mandatory mental health treatment, and a lifetime ban on animal contact.

Adding to public outrage, Monsee launched a GoFundMe campaign shortly after her conviction, claiming she was being targeted for preparing “traditional meals” with animals like chickens and frogs. In reality, her videos documented deliberate animal torture for entertainment and profit. The fundraiser, titled “Help Me and My Daughter Stay in America,” aimed to prevent her deportation and has since been widely condemned.

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Contacts:

Doll Stanley, In Defense of Animals, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

Carol Lutter, Revolution Philadelphia, luttca1@yahoo.com, (610) 322-3154

Images: https://bit.ly/MonseePA

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, central California, and rural Mississippi, since 1983. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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