Woman sentenced in 'crush video' killings of cats, dogs
A 23-year-old Houston woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for producing videos that depicted her using high heels, meat cleavers and other weapons to kill cats and dogs.
Harris County authorities said Thursday that Ashley Richards was sentenced after pleading guilty to three counts of animal cruelty.
Prosecutors say the so-called "crush" videos depict women killing small animals and are meant to satisfy the sexual fetish of those who purchase them.
Richards received the maximum sentence and District Attorney Devon Anderson says lawmakers will be asked to increase the punishment for the offense.
A Houston man also is charged in the case and his next court appearance is scheduled for July.
Police were notified of the videos in 2012 by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
This story come courtesy our sister station in Houston, KPRC .
Copyright 2014 by KSAT.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
How to protect your pets during cold weather in South Texas ▶ 2:11
How to protect your pets during cold weather in South Texas
Kerrville landowner plans monument to honor volunteers who aided during deadly July 4 floods ▶ 1:48
Kerrville landowner plans monument to honor volunteers who aided during deadly July 4 floods
Woman arrested, accused of fatally shooting man in west Bexar County, sheriff says ▶ 1:51
Woman arrested, accused of fatally shooting man in west Bexar County, sheriff says
From Hill Country flooding to Bexar County wildfires, here are the Top 5 weather events of 2025 ▶ 2:16
From Hill Country flooding to Bexar County wildfires, here are the Top 5 weather events of 2025
US Army veteran from Texas credits wilderness therapy for helping adjust to civilian life ▶ 0:55
US Army veteran from Texas credits wilderness therapy for helping adjust to civilian life
Pope Leo’s first Christmas brings a powerful message ▶ 1:16
Pope Leo’s first Christmas brings a powerful message
Erica Hernandez talked to Fluffy about his special relationship with San Antonio. ▶ 1:39
Erica Hernandez talked to Fluffy about his special relationship with San Antonio.
FBI warns of ‘modern-day terrorism’ as Texas-born extremist group targets youth online ▶ 1:41
FBI warns of ‘modern-day terrorism’ as Texas-born extremist group targets youth online
Kerrville landowner plans monument to honor volunteers who aided during deadly July 4 floods ▶ 1:48
Kerrville landowner plans monument to honor volunteers who aided during deadly July 4 floods
Bystander rescues woman trapped after plane crash in Galveston ▶ 0:51
Bystander rescues woman trapped after plane crash in Galveston
Here's where letters to Santa go every Christmas ▶ 1:36
Here's where letters to Santa go every Christmas
TxDOT begins construction on multi-year US Highway 90 expansion project ▶ 1:21
TxDOT begins construction on multi-year US Highway 90 expansion project
Bexar County's Military and Veteran Services Department director placed on leave ▶ 1:30
Bexar County's Military and Veteran Services Department director placed on leave
Caught on camera: Shootout between man, BCSO deputies leaves neighborhood shocked ▶ 1:57
Caught on camera: Shootout between man, BCSO deputies leaves neighborhood shocked
San Antonio police urge reporting of minor porch thefts ▶ 1:18
San Antonio police urge reporting of minor porch thefts
Shoplifter charged with attempted murder after pointing gun at officer ▶ 1:04
Shoplifter charged with attempted murder after pointing gun at officer
Woman becomes first wheelchair user to travel to space ▶ 0:45
Woman becomes first wheelchair user to travel to space
Gibson Costume Shop, a 100-year-old San Antonio staple, to begin liquidation sales in January ▶ 1:06
Gibson Costume Shop, a 100-year-old San Antonio staple, to begin liquidation sales in January
2 deputies fatally shoot man after he fires at them during domestic disturbance call, BCSO says ▶ 0:58
2 deputies fatally shoot man after he fires at them during domestic disturbance call, BCSO says
What parents can do to help children stay safe online ▶ 0:56
What parents can do to help children stay safe online
Any dog can be ‘dangerous’ 🐾 ▶ 0:57
Any dog can be ‘dangerous’ 🐾
What to know about holiday travel as AAA projects new record ▶ 0:53
What to know about holiday travel as AAA projects new record
Steele High School student conductor reimagines 'Joy to the World' ▶ 1:51
Steele High School student conductor reimagines 'Joy to the World'
Service members traveling through San Antonio International for the holidays ▶ 1:08
Service members traveling through San Antonio International for the holidays
Salvation Army helps thousands of San Antonio children through Angel Tree program ▶ 0:56
Salvation Army helps thousands of San Antonio children through Angel Tree program
Previous photo Next photo