Story By: Sofija Dizdarevik, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

Video Credit: AsiaWire/@jmesbryant

This viral footage shows a young man apparently force-feeding strong alcoholic spirits to a shaking cat until it eventually dies.

The incident was filmed by the perpetrators in the south-western Indonesian city of Yogyakarta who then posted it online, according to reports.

The video went on to be viewed by 2 million people when netizen ‘jmesbryan’ posted it on Twitter with the message: “Help make this go viral so the b*stard can be arrested.”

According to local media, one suspect, identified as university student A.A.H., is under investigation despite at least one other person being present behind the camera.

In the disturbing footage, the sodden, trembling cat is seen being force fed a blue-tinted liquid that the police believe was fermented sugarcane liquor.

The sick culprit continually pours the liquid down the shaking cat’s throat until it stops moving and appears dead.

According to local media, Doni Herdaru Tona of the organisation Animal Defenders Indonesia was made aware of the video and vowed to file a complaint with the police.

The Yoguakarta Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.

Main suspect A.A.H. attends university in Yogyakarta and lives above a cafe close to where the cat died, but he has since returned to his hometown of Tulungagung, according to local media.

Indonesia has limited animal welfare regulations by international standards, but some cases can be punishable by up to nine months in prison, according to reports.

The police investigation is ongoing. It is unclear if any arrests have been made.

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.