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February 8, 2010

ASPCA Expert Testimony Helps Convict Gothic Kitty Creator

On February 3, the trial of “gothic kitty” creator, Holly Crawford of Luzerne County, PA, came to a close. Crawford was charged with using a 14-gauge needle to pierce the ears, necks and tails of three kittens and then attempting to sell the bejeweled felines over the Internet. The 35-year-old was found guilty of one misdemeanor count and one summary count of animal cruelty.


Crawford, who owns a dog grooming business, was charged after a tip led humane investigators and the state police to her home on December 17, 2008. Investigators found and seized three kittens wearing heavy ear, neck and tail piercing jewelry. At least one of the kittens had a thick elastic band wrapped around its tail to prevent blood flow, as a means of docking it.

Crawford pleaded not guilty to the charges, saying she used sterile needles and surgical soap when piercing the kittens. Her defense attorney further argued that parents often have the ears of their children pierced.

Despite these arguments, a Luzerne County jury found Crawford guilty. Helping to seal the conviction was expert testimony from the ASPCA’s leading forensics veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck, who testified that the kittens had been maimed and disfigured, had their hearing altered, and could have died.

The cats are now recovering in the custody of a local SPCA—the cost of their rehabilitation already exceeding $1,000.

Crawford’s sentencing hearing is set for March 31. She faces up to five years in prison.

If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it. To report animal cruelty in New York City, call the ASPCA's tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.

Post your comments

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  • Submitted by S. B. at:November 9, 2010 12:00 AM

    This is horrible! Peircing a cat is almost terrible as removing their reproductive organs without their permision. People suck

  • Submitted by Anonymous at:April 26, 2010 12:00 AM

    shes should be locked up for more than six months, more like six years!

  • Submitted by maureen at:April 24, 2010 12:00 AM

    Why was Holly only given 6 months HOUSE ARREST ? so she can sit home and continue her abuse. If that is the case she should be made to work in an animal shelter also, when these kind of people get sentenced there probation should also include MANDATORY COUNSELING, WORKING AT A SHELTER ( not a pet store)and strict probation fines.I had a DWI and what I had to go through was tough. But boy did I learn a valuable lesson. Animal abuse is a crime and should be treated as such.TOUGHER PENALTIES, STRICTER LAWS.

  • Submitted by Rose at:April 21, 2010 12:00 AM

    she needs to be disfigured and maimed and see how she likes it. thank god for the ASPCA and the HSUS. but we need TOUGHER laws and they must be enforced every single time there is an abuser. to deter future abusers. and the idiot judges, dont get me started on them..... I pray that these kittens fully recover and find a truly loving and SANEe home.

  • Submitted by Tara C. at:March 30, 2010 12:00 AM

    This must be treated as a heinous crime. She needs to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. In fact, the penalty should be more severe. Thasnkfully, there are people with good hearts. Let those of us stay vigilant against animal cruelty!

  • Submitted by stuff at:March 23, 2010 12:00 AM

    i like reading animal abuse stories

  • Submitted by Emmy at:February 25, 2010 12:00 AM

    This chick is a moron. Don't get me wrong, I don't think a person should "bejewel" her kittens. The tail docking really grosses me out & shocks me, as well as neck piercings, those don't even heal well on people! Her 'Moron' status doesn't mitigate her behavior. I hope she isn't ever allowed to have pets again.

  • Submitted by Alan_F at:February 17, 2010 12:00 AM

    I am in the UK and watch the ASPCA regularly on TV thank god for the ASPCA

  • Submitted by BFannon88 at:February 14, 2010 12:00 AM

    She needs to be locked up. She is obviously sick if she enjoys piercing her animals. I think people should have to go through some kind of background check or something to determine whether or not they are fit to have animals. I here these animal abuse stories every day. There needs to be a proactive response, not reactive. I just don't understand how people could be cruel to animals. Blows my mind.

  • Submitted by Jess C at:February 12, 2010 12:00 AM

    Who in their right mind would even think to consider piercing an animal - would one pierce the tongue of their newborn, of course not, pure stupidity and abuse. It's truly amazing how we humans can exhibit such intelligence, yet be so barbaric and ludicrous. Holly and her defense attorney's pleas are so pathetic - they both need a slap to the face. Give her five years, maybe then she comes to her senses.

  • Submitted by Julia K. at:February 12, 2010 12:00 AM

    I am relieved the A.S.P.C.A is so determined to prevent animals from being treated cruely.I adore learning about the A.S.P.C.A. I donate there and watch shows on it too. What really makes me happy is the transition from a hungry,weak animal to a happy,healthy one. The A.S.P.C.A makes this possible for thousands of animals. God bless anyone who participates in the A.S.P.C.A.

  • Submitted by freda at:February 11, 2010 12:00 AM

    we must treat this type of stuff as serious crimes because anyone who can do this to an animal will not feel guilty hurting a human either. so whether it is to protect animals or people, it needs to be taken seriously.

  • Submitted by Janet J at:February 8, 2010 12:00 AM

    Just when you think people couldn't do ANYTHING else to surprise you...has this woman undergone any testing to determine if her brain and brain stem are still connected? This is a definite case of Felony Stupid. Thankfully the judge didn't fall for this woman's load of crap. If she is a trained professional she definitely posses the knowledge that what she did harmed these animals. Bravo to the judge! Throw the book at her.

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