A man has been arrested for alleged animal abuse following a complaint filed by a leading animal welfare advocate after a disturbing video circulated widely online and on social media.
The recording showed a small black cat being picked up by the scruff of the neck and forcefully thrown against a parked vehicle, sparking widespread condemnation.
The complaint was lodged at Hidd Police Station on Friday by Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) chairman Mahmood Faraj, who said he received footage of the film from concerned members of the public and immediately reported the incident to the authorities.
The case was transferred to Khamis Police Station for further action.
“Once I submitted the complaint, the authorities launched an investigation, identified the individual allegedly involved, and arrested him,” he said.
According to sources, the suspect admitted during questioning that he committed the act in an attempt to make the video go viral and trend online.
“This behaviour is both shocking and unacceptable,” he said. “It highlights the urgent need for stricter laws and stronger penalties to deter individuals from committing such cruel acts against animals.”
Individuals found guilty of animal abuse could be subject to a fine or prison sentence but Mr Faraj fears these penalties appear not to be a sufficient deterrent to prevent animal cruelty and called for legislative reforms that could provide greater protection.
“Animals are innocent and defenceless. They deserve compassion and should be left in peace,” he added.
BSPCA chief executive officer Paul Duke also expressed his outrage over the incident.
“On behalf of the BSPCA, we urge everyone to treat animals with kindness, or at the very least, leave them alone and allow them to live peacefully,” he said.
“There is absolutely no excuse for harming any animal. Whenever such incidents occur, we will continue to report offenders to the police and support efforts to ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
As part of wider efforts to combat animal abuse, the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry has launched a dedicated hotline allowing the public to report cases of animal mistreatment and neglect.
The stunned cat involved in the incident scarpered the scene after bouncing on to the floor. Its condition is unknown.
n The hotline, 17987227, operates from Sunday to Thursday between 7am and 2pm.
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