HOUSTON - A 23-year-old Houston woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for producing videos that depicted her using high heels, meat cleavers and other weapons to kill cats and dogs.
Harris County authorities said Thursday that Ashley Richards was sentenced after pleading guilty to three counts of animal cruelty.
Prosecutors say the so-called "crush" videos depict women killing small animals and are meant to satisfy the sexual fetish of those who purchase them.
Richards received the maximum sentence and District Attorney Devon Anderson says lawmakers will be asked to increase the punishment for the offense.
A Houston man also is charged in the case and his next court appearance is scheduled for July.
Police were notified of the videos in 2012 by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
