MINNEAPOLIS – A 32-year-old man is facing federal animal cruelty charges after authorities say he created and distributed hundreds of videos depicting the torture and killing of animals. Bryan Wesley Edison was indicted on 16 counts of animal crushing, a violation of federal law.
Prosecutors allege Edison uploaded the disturbing content to pay-per-view channels on YouTube, where he also monetized the videos thru channel logos and merchandise sales. YouTube removed Edison’s channels following finding of the content, citing “multiple and severe violations of YouTube’s policy on violence.”
The case highlights a growing concern among law enforcement regarding the link between animal abuse and other violent crimes. “Animal crushing is not only sickening, it is indeed a federal crime,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “When someone takes pleasure in the torture of defenseless animals, it signals a deeper danger to our community. Especially in these troubled times, we will not allow these warning signs to go unchecked.”
The federal animal crushing law, originally passed as part of the 2010 Animal Cruelty Prevention act, makes it illegal to create, distribute, or possess depictions of intentional cruelty to animals. The law was enacted in response to the growing prevalence of “crush videos” online.
