Gabriel Caswell, a former technician at the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the horrific killing of kittens under his care.
On April 18, Caswell pleaded guilty to 12 charges of animal cruelty, receiving 10 years for each charge to be served concurrently. This sentence is in addition to three separate convictions that resulted in a 30-year prison term. As part of his plea agreement, he also waived his right to appeal.
Last summer, shelter staff noticed an unexplained increase in kitten deaths, initially suspected to be caused by disease or environmental factors. Rigorous investigations—including specimen testing and necropsies—yielded no definitive answers. In response, the shelter implemented extensive measures to mitigate potential risks, including installing new HVAC systems, revising cleaning procedures, and closely monitoring animal health and staff schedules.
In July, Caswell was finally caught violently mistreating a kitten, prompting immediate police intervention. Hired as an animal care technician in February, Caswell’s tenure was marked by the deaths of more than 80 kittens who had arrived in fair condition—51 of whom died in June alone.
When police reviewed video footage, they uncovered harrowing evidence: Caswell was seen causing severe injuries to a black kitten, severing its spine. He was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty on July 14, then again on July 29 after additional footage showed him viciously beating another kitten multiple times before throwing its 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, urging Caswell’s conviction and the maximum possible sentence.
“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 ensure Caswell was 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 impose strong sentences for crimes against animals.”
Content courtesy of In Defense of Animals. Help them continue fighting for animals, people, and the environment by making a donation HERE!
