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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joe Golder, Agency: Newsflash

This is the shocking moment a sick woman tortures a cat by ramming hot peppers down its throat with a knife.

The incident took place in the municipality of Cariacica, in the south-eastern Brazilian state of Espirito Santo and it was caught on film before being shared on social media, where it caused outrage.

One woman can be seen firmly holding the cat while another uses a knife to push hot peppers into its mouth. The poor cat can be heard crying and appears to be trying to keep his mouth shut – but in vain as it is held open by the woman holding it.

At one point the blade suddenly goes into the cat’s mouth with many watchers commenting that they feared the cat might even have been stabbed.

After widespread condemnation online, the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) on Mistreatment of the Espírito Santo Legislative Assembly (ALES) and inspectors from the City Hall of Cariacica rescued the animal.

According to the CPI, the cat was tortured because its owner wanted to punish it for having “stolen” food.

The CPI said that the images are from May and that the owner was not arrested but was fined BRL 500 (GBP 70).

The case was also forwarded to the Environment Police. The woman, who has not been named, faces prison time of between two and five years for mistreating the cat if they take it further.

The authorities also seized three other cats from the house. They will reportedly be given veterinary care and be put up for adoption.

It is unclear if the woman’s accomplice faces any charges.

The case is ongoing.