PSNI: animal cruelty probe under way after appearance of online video involving a cat

An animal cruelty investigation was under way today (Thursday) in connection with a social media video post involving a cat.

In a statement the PSNI said it had received a report yesterday that "a video had been posted online concerning a kitten."

It appears that the cat had been picked up and thrown into the air.

"The boy in the video has been identified and an investigation regarding animal cruelty is now underway, being conducted by Animal Welfare at Belfast City Council," the PSNI statement added.

Police said they were now working "closely with our colleagues in council in relation to the matter."

Meanwhile, Belfast city council confirmed it had launched a probe into the matter.

A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: "Our Animal Welfare Team were made aware of an incident involving a cat on 9 April.”

“We are currently investigating the case and cannot comment further while the investigation is ongoing.”

USPCA chief executive, Nora Smith, branded the incident was "cruel, dangerous and callous."

"The video footage has rightly caused shock and horror." she added. The individual had no regard for the animal’s welfare or the damage this incident could have caused.

"It's horrendous that anyone would deem it acceptable to treat a living creature in such a way and do so for their own entertainment.

"We hope that the appropriate action is taken to ensure that we send out a loud and clear message these acts of cruelty will not be tolerated.”