Image Via Hasan Piker’s Instagram
A practicing veterinarian has ignited debate online after analyzing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker’s treatment of his dog, Kaya, during livestreams. The vet, known as CatalystVet, reviewed multiple clips showing the Tibetan Mastiff confined to a raised bed for extended periods while Piker streamed. In one instance, he appeared to activate a handheld remote linked to Kaya’s electronic collar, prompting concerns about animal welfare.Vet says Hasan Piker’s on-stream handling of Kaya amounts to animal abuseCatalystVet published a detailed video analysis describing Piker’s handling of Kaya as animal abuse. The veterinarian argued that forcing a large-breed dog to stay motionless for hours and using an aversive collar to correct harmless behaviors, such as shifting position or standing up, constitutes a violation of basic welfare standards.The vet emphasized that the issue goes beyond whether the collar delivered a vibration or a shock. According to CatalystVet, any negative stimulus used to punish benign movement is a misuse of training tools. The analysis also pointed out that large guardian breeds like Tibetan Mastiffs need freedom of movement to avoid joint stiffness and muscle strain. Restricting such dogs for long durations, especially during hours-long broadcasts, can cause both physical discomfort and psychological stress. Wider implications and expert recommendationsCatalystVet cited professional guidelines from organizations such as the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, which discourage aversive training methods and advocate for positive reinforcement techniques. These groups warn that punishment-based approaches, especially when applied to normal behavior, can increase anxiety, fear, and confusion in dogs.While Hasan Piker has mentioned Kaya’s exercise routines and care in past streams, the vet’s critique focused specifically on her enforced immobility during live sessions and the use of an electronic collar as correction. The viral video has since spread widely across social media, reigniting discussions about responsible pet training and streamer accountability.The veterinarian’s claims have added a new dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding Hasan Piker and his dog Kaya. Though Piker maintains that the collar only vibrates and denies any abusive intent, the expert analysis has fueled renewed scrutiny over how online personalities balance content creation with the ethical treatment of their pets.
