Doorbell cam shows cruel mailman pepper-spraying defenceless dogs

A disturbing video has gone viral on social media this week, which appears to show a mailman or courier pepper-spraying innocent pets.

It's no secret that mailmen and dogs don't always have a cordial relationship, but this next video is more of a case of animal cruelty than occupational antagonism. The footage, which appears to stem from a security camera, shows a stocky man delivering a parcel at a doorstep, who pauses beforehand to pepper-spray a gate.

Check out the alarming moment the mailman pepper-sprays the dog below: 

The only problem was that there was a trio of harmless barking dogs on the other side of the gate, and they were obviously left in pain and distress when they were hit by the aerosol spray. The owner of the dogs uploaded a video of the incident involving the unidentified courier to YouTube, where it was quickly seized upon by outraged animal-lovers.

The caption for the YouTube video read: "I received a notice on my video doorbell that there was motion. I logged in to notice my mail carrier was spraying pepper spray at the gate to my courtyard with my three dogs on the other side. The dogs were not barking until he started spraying. The mailbox is forty feet from the gate. As he walked away he stopped, turned around to admire his handy work, then went on delivering the mail."

Pepper spray (also known as capsicum spray) is an aerosol deterrent used by police and civilians as a deterrent against assault or battery. It causes irritation the eyes which provokes uncontrollable tears, a severe burning sensation, and temporary blindness. Although it can be used to deter vicious animals, the dogs featured in the video appear to be wholly harmless.

If you or anyone else you know is aware of the identity of the man featured in the clip, then please do not hesitate to report the incident to the Human Society.