Bryan Wesley Edison, 32, from Carver, Minnesota, has been indicted on sixteen federal counts of animal crushing. The indictment was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. According to authorities, Edison produced and distributed hundreds of videos depicting the torture and killing of animals on pay-per-view YouTube channels.
“Animal crushing is not only sickening, it is a federal crime,” said 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 charges stem from activity beginning in 2022 when Edison allegedly operated multiple YouTube channels featuring nearly 350 videos showing acts such as impalement, drowning, suffocating, and dismemberment of various animals including birds, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, lizards, dogs and snapping turtles. Some videos were available for free while others required monthly subscriptions at different price levels for access to more graphic content or custom requests.
Edison reportedly developed channel logos and sold merchandise bearing those logos while promoting his content using explicit descriptors referencing torture aspects.
In 2019 the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT Act) was enacted to strengthen prohibitions against intentional acts like animal crushing after Congress recognized the unique risks posed by individuals who commit such crimes.
Edison’s channels—named “Prince’s Pet Planet” and “Prince’s Chomp Squad”—were eventually removed by YouTube for repeated violations related to violent content.
“Animal crushing is an appalling abuse of power over vulnerable creatures,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis. “The exercise of violence over the defenseless is never acceptable. The FBI stands with our law enforcement partners to rigorously enforce the laws that prevent and punish such heinous acts of cruelty.”
The case resulted from an investigation led by the FBI and will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Evans.
An indictment is considered an allegation; Edison remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
