Lanarkshire man faces hate crime charges over dog's 'nazi salute'

Police Scotland says 28 year old Markus Meechan faces hate crime charges over the video

Published 9th May 2016

A man has been arrested over an online video that reportedly shows a dog making a Nazi salute.

28-year-old Markus Meechan, from Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, faces hate crime charges over the video, Police Scotland said.

The clip allegedly shows a pug sitting in front of a screen showing footage of Adolf Hitler and making Nazi salutes.

Officers said the video had been shared online and "caused offence and hurt to many people in our community''.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "A 28-year-old man was arrested on Thursday April 28 in relation to the alleged publication of offensive material online (improper use of electronic communications under the Communications Act 2003).

"A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.''

Detective Inspector David Cockburn said: "Posting offensive material online or in any other capacity will not be tolerated and police will act swiftly to tackle hate crimes that are motivated by malice or ill-will because of faith, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

"This clip has been shared and viewed online, which ultimately has caused offence and hurt to many people in our community. There is no place for hate crime in Scotland and police take all reports of incidents seriously.''