Woman arrested in connection with circulating video showing apparent animal abuse

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (First Alert 4) -A woman has been arrested in connection with a video circulating on social media showing apparent animal abuse.

Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department stated Saturday that a woman, Ariel Rhodes, 20, is being charged with animal abuse in relation to the video.

Police say the video was circulated through Facebook and Instagram and showed a woman recording herself striking a Yorkshire terrier repeatedly; the video was posted on her own social media account.

Police state they were made aware of the video circulating on Thursday. Ultimately, they located Rhodes and arrested her.

Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department states the Yorkshire terrier was found alive and has been taken by St. Louis County Animal Control for evaluation.

“Animals depend on us for their care and protection, and no animal deserves to be subjected to abuse or cruelty. The actions depicted in these videos are deeply disturbing, and I want our community to know that reports of animal abuse will be taken seriously. I want to thank the many concerned citizens who brought this incident to our attention. Their willingness to come forward and report suspected animal abuse plays an important role in helping law enforcement respond to these incidents,” said Interim Police Chief Timothy Sanders.