Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Alex Cope, Agency: Central European News
Video Credit: CEN
This is the moment an elderly man drags a cat with its paw in a trap along the ground and apparently encourages his dog to maul the poor moggie.
The incident was filmed by a CCTV camera in the municipality of Gualeguay in the north-eastern Argentine province of Entre Rios after the suspect reportedly caught the cat with an otter trap.
In the shocking footage, he is seen dragging the defenceless animal around as his dog, apparently an Alsatian, is seemingly encouraged to maul it.
According to local media, a resident saw the incident, which was also filmed by the CCTV camera of the nearby El Refu animal shelter, and reported the man.
Animal shelter manager Nicolas De Zan told local media: “When I saw the video I was shocked, I could not believe what I was seeing.
“I never thought anyone could do something like this.”
De Zan said that he has reported the suspect, identified as Aldo Bettarel, to the police for animal abuse.
He told local media: “He set up a trap used to hunt big animals and dragged the cat along the ground, breaking two of its little legs and causing other injuries. His aim was to kill it.”
Despite its multiple injuries, the cat survived and is being cared for at a resident’s home.
Meanwhile, the suspect reportedly told De Zan that the cat had entered his property and caused damage to valuable possessions by urinating on them.
Afterwards, the suspect went to the police station to explain the situation, according to local media.
It is currently unclear whether the local authorities are investigating the suspect.
The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
