Viral clips of animal cruelty spark police action

TDT | Manama

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A man accused of abusing animals in a series of viral videos has been arrested and will be referred to the Public Prosecution following a complaint filed by the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The videos, widely shared on social media, allegedly show the same individual mistreating animals on separate occasions, prompting a wave of public complaints and concern over what animal welfare advocates described as a pattern of abusive behaviour.

One clip appeared to show the man holding a cat by the neck before throwing it at a parked car while laughing. Another video showed him allegedly pursuing a dog at speed in his vehicle.

Mahmood Faraj, chairman of the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the organisation reported the matter to police after receiving numerous complaints from members of the public who had viewed the footage.

He praised the authorities for their swift response, saying the case was treated seriously and resulted in the suspect's arrest pending further legal action.

The videos sparked widespread outrage among animal welfare supporters, who urged authorities to take action against those responsible for harming animals.

Mr Faraj stressed that Bahrain's laws prohibit the abuse and mistreatment of animals and called for greater public awareness of the importance of treating animals with care and responsibility.

He added that the society would continue to monitor the case and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the law is enforced and animals are protected from cruelty.