Police have issued a warning after a video circulating on social media showed a teenager throwing a cat into a quarry.
In the 14-second clip, which was reportedly filmed in the Carnforth area of Lancashire, a youth appears to be standing at the side of a large cliff holding the animal in his right hand. The cat does not appear to be moving before it is thrown at a great height into the water below.
The footage, which the M.E.N has decided not to share, is believed to have initially begun circulating on Snapchat before being shared on Facebook and Twitter. "I'm disgusted," one person said in response to the video. Another said: "There are some sick individuals in the world."
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Lancashire Constabulary said it is aware of the clip and is investigating the incident, reports Lancs Live. The force said it believed the cat was deceased and the incident is thought to have happened 'some time ago', and said they are 'satisfied no criminal offence has been committed'.
Officers said that some of the people shown in the video and their families have been subjected to 'threats and anti-social behaviour' while others have been 'contacted and threatened in cases of mistaken identity'.
The force said 'this is completely unacceptable and must stop' and warned that any criminal behaviour 'will be dealt with robustly'.
Police investigating viral social media footage showing a cat being thrown into a quarry say they are 'satisfied no criminal offence has been committed'. But officers have also sent a warning to those targeting the teenager in the clip, saying 'any criminal behaviour we are made aware of will be dealt with robustly'.
In an update statement on July 11, Lancaster Area Police said: "Earlier this evening we posted about a video we had been made aware of on social media which appeared to show a cat being thrown from a cliff into water and we wanted to give you an update.
"After viewing the footage, we believe this happened some time ago and that the cat was already dead at the time of the incident and while distasteful and obviously upsetting to view we are satisfied no criminal offence has been committed.
"The video has clearly attracted widespread attention and while we recognise it has caused distress and anger to many, we are also aware that some people have been targeting those shown in the video and their families and subjecting them to threats and anti-social behaviour.
"We are also aware that other people have been contacted and threatened in cases of mistaken identity. This is completely unacceptable and must stop. Any criminal behaviour we are made aware of will be dealt with robustly. Thank you."
