Ashley Chastain, a former animal care and control officer, has been charged with three counts of torturing an animal, a felony.  The affidavit alleges that Chastain cropped the ears of multiple dogs using Ketamine that was taken from IACC. Ketamine would basically cause paralysis but the animal would still feel the pain of the mutilation. During one instance, Chastain tried to crop the ears of a two month old puppy without the use of Ketamine by taping the dog's muzzle.  The dog threw up, choked on it's vomit and died.  The dog's body was recovered with one ear still intact.  A class D felony in Indiana can carry the maximum penalty of 3 years.  It's time that Marion County stopped allowing animal abusers to walk away with a slap on the wrist. Chastain should spend years rather than days or months in prison.  Other charges should also be considered including the theft/misuse of a controlled substance. This crime is especially egregious considering Chastain's position as an officer at IACC at the time of the crimes.  In order to protect animals, we have to take these crimes seriously.  Animals abusers have to spend significant time behind bars. There have been a number examples in recent months where judges have done just that. Chastain should also be restricted from ever having any pets and working with animals. Chastain should also have to compensate the city of Indianapolis for the theft of the Ketamine. Please sign this petition and send a message to Indianapolis, Marion County and Indiana that animal abuse will not be tolerated.