PETA Responds to Hasan Piker Dog Abuse Controversy
Critics contend the polarizing public figure used a shock collar on his pet while streaming on Twitch — which he denies.
By Gary Baum
October 8, 2025 3:43pm
A clip from Hasan Piker's Oct. 7 stream went viral.
Hasan Piker — the popular leftist political streamer who’s gained increasing mainstream prominence since Donald Trump retook the presidency — has become embroiled in controversy over the treatment of his dog Kaya, a perpetual presence in the background of his feed at his home in West Hollywood.
A clip from his Oct. 7 stream went viral after viewers alleged Piker, who has three million followers on Twitch (as well as millions more on other social media platforms), activated a shock collar on the pet while seemingly frustrated with her behavior.
Piker has denied the claim, explaining that Kaya in fact wears a training collar which vibrates, with an AirTag attached, and that she accidentally “clipped herself” while rising from her bed when the incident occurred, which produced a yelp that provoked particular concern. However, critics have remained skeptical, zooming in on footage of what they consider a telltale green blinking light, characteristic of a shock collar, and circulated an old video clip of Piker
admitting to owning one and describing it as “incredibly effective.”
Now, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is weighing in. In a statement to
The Hollywood Reporter, the advocacy group says, “Hasan Piker has denied using a shock collar on his dog, and we hope that’s true because shock collars are dangerous and downright cruel. They put dogs at risk of burn wounds, chronic anxiety, and displaced aggression.”
PETA added, “positive reinforcement is a far more effective training method and doesn’t betray our animal companions’ trust in us.”
