An investigation has been launched into images appearing to show a kitten being swung by a lead in Dundee.
The Courier revealed that pictures had been posted on social media seeming to show the kitten being lifted from the ground in a city park.
Police and the Scottish SPCA have confirmed they have both launched investigations into the incident.
A trio of pictures uploaded to Snapchat show two people as they pictured themselves with the cat on a lead.
The unnamed duo posted the tagline: “Come get us” under one of their
pictures.
The posts sparked an online reaction with some branding the images “vile and
disgusting”.
The Courier spoke to a relative of the male in the video outside his family home.
She insisted the kitten was fine and that the reaction to the footage had been excessive.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s ridiculous. The kitten is fine.
“It’s all been blown out of proportion. The family is going to see the owners
of the kitten tonight to see how it is.”
The cat was running round in circles and they tried to lift the cat up – it just looked like it was being strangled.
A family member of the female in the images also claimed that the incident
has been taken the wrong way.
She said: “The cat was running round in circles and they tried to lift the cat up –
it just looked like it was being strangled. The kitten is healthy and fine.”
Another family member admitted the pair had been “silly” but claimed the kitten was in a body harness and was not injured.
However, others reacted with fury to the images.
One resident, Aimi Munro, said: “This is disgusting. I am embarrassed to live in a world where kids are that bored they resort to abusing and hurting helpless animals.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a
report of animal cruelty involving a cat on social media was received this
afternoon and officers are working closely with the Scottish SPCA in
relation to the matter.
“Anyone with information in connection with the incident should contact the
Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.”
A Scottish SPCA spokesperson said: “We have received a call to our helpline
relating to this kitten and our investigation is currently ongoing.”
