A clip from Hasan Piker's Oct. 7 stream went viral. Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment 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 3 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. Related Stories Lifestyle 'American Psycho' Director Mary Harron Debuts New Horror-Themed Short Film for PETA General News PETA Protester Disrupts 'Twisters' Premiere in L.A. Piker has denied the claim, explaining that Kaya in fact wears a training collar that 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." THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Wildfires Authorities Make Arrest Related to Deadly Palisades Wildfire Live Feed Kim Kardashian and Sarah Paulson Go to Battle in 'All's Fair' Trailer Saudi Arabia Bill Burr Fires Back at Critics of His Riyadh Comedy Festival Appearance: "Sanctimonious C***s" General News Danielle Vasinova Joins the Heaven's Gate Cult Thriller, 'The Leader' Propper Daley Kamala Harris Gets Real About the Current Political Moment: "These Motherf***ers Are Crazy" united kingdom National Film and Television School Director Jon Wardle Unpacks His 5 Takeaways From Graduate Impact Report (Exclusive) Wildfires Authorities Make Arrest Related to Deadly Palisades Wildfire Live Feed Kim Kardashian and Sarah Paulson Go to Battle in 'All's Fair' Trailer Saudi Arabia Bill Burr Fires Back at Critics of His Riyadh Comedy Festival Appearance: "Sanctimonious C***s" General News Danielle Vasinova Joins the Heaven's Gate Cult Thriller, 'The Leader' Propper Daley Kamala Harris Gets Real About the Current Political Moment: "These Motherf***ers Are Crazy" united kingdom National Film and Television School Director Jon Wardle Unpacks His 5 Takeaways From Graduate Impact Report (Exclusive)