WEATHERFORD, Texas (April 1, 2025) — In Defense of Animals applauds the sentencing of Gabriel Caswell, a former technician at the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter, who was convicted of animal cruelty for the brutal killing of kittens under his care. 

On April 18, Caswell was sentenced to 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to 12 charges of animal cruelty for which he received 10 years each to be served concurrently. This sentencing is stacked on three separate convictions that resulted in a 30-year prison sentence. As part of his plea, he has also agreed to drop all appeals

Last summer, shelter staff noticed an unexplained increase in kitten deaths, initially suspected to be disease-related or caused by environmental factors. Rigorous investigations — including sending specimens for testing and conducting necropsies — didn’t provide any answers. The shelter implemented extensive measures to mitigate possible risks, including installing new HVAC systems, revising cleaning procedures, and monitoring animal health and staff schedules. 

In July, Caswell was finally seen violently mistreating a kitten, prompting immediate police intervention. Hired as an animal care technician in February, Caswell’s tenure was marred by the deaths of more than 80 kittens who had arrived in fair condition, 51 of who died in June alone. 

When police reviewed video footage, they discovered harrowing evidence: Caswell was seen causing severe injuries to a black kitten, whose spine was severed. Caswell was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty on July 14, and again on July 29 after more footage showed him viciously beating another kitten multiple times before eventually throwing the kitten’s lifeless body into the trash. He bonded out both times.

In Defense of Animals mobilized public support, delivering a letter with 13,787 signatures to Parker County District Attorney Jeff Swain, advocating for Caswell’s conviction and maximum sentencing. 

“It’s horrifying that a person capable of such violence had access to helpless kittens. We commend shelter staff and law enforcement for their work to see Caswell held accountable for his actions,” said Doll Stanley, Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner for In Defense of Animals. “Enforcing animal cruelty laws not only brings a measure of justice for animal victims and their guardians but also protects our communities from further harm. The well-documented link between animal cruelty and human violence underscores how essential it is for judges to pass strong convictions for crimes against animals. ”

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Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 41-year history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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