Stories2 min(s) read
Published 11:15 06 May 2020 GMT
A woman has come under fire after a video showing her "boxing" her dog surfaced on social media. Per news.com.au, she is now facing animal cruelty charges.
In the video, the woman, reportedly from Idaho, can be seen aggressively striking a dog while wearing boxing gloves.
In the background, somebody can be heard saying: "We’re boxing animals. Where’s Sarah McLachlan?" - referring to the singer and well-known animal-rights activist, whose songs have been featured in ads for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Throughout the 13-second clip, the dog can be heard yelping. At one point, the woman lands a hard punch and says: "I hit him so hard I felt that through…" The video then ends abruptly.
Since surfacing online, the video has been widely shared on social media, with many calling for the woman to prosecuted for animal abuse.
Sharing the clip online, one Twitter user writes: "Boise, Idaho...
"I want to know this girls name. Who the f**k punches a dog in the face like that? Retweet this until we find out who she is. I ain’t gonna let this s**t go unnoticed".
In response to the clip, the Idaho Humane Society said on Monday that it had received an "overwhelming" number of calls and emails from concerned members of the public, and is now launching a probe into the video.
Posting on Facebook the society said: "There is a video circulating through social media which we will not repost due to its content which originated in the Treasure Valley. It has been shared through many social media networks and our Animal Care and Control office is receiving an overwhelming number of phone calls and emails.
"We started an official investigation as a result of this video. This morning the individual was identified and we sent a Humane Officer to discuss the situation."
Kristine Schellhaas, a spokesperson for the Idaho Humane Society, added: "The investigation is currently pending review at the local prosecutor's office for a charging decision."
Under local law, the Ada County Prosecutor's Office could charge the woman with "beating and harassing animals", the New York Post states.
The misdemeanor charge can carry a maximum sentence of up to six months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
