POLICE are investigating following the emergence of a video showing young boy apparently biting the head off a pigeon.
The video has been widely shared widely on social media and it is It is thought to have been shot in the Magazine Street area of Derry during a day in the past week.
There have been reports the animal was dead at the time.
One woman said she was “traumatised” after watching the video.
“How can you kill a completely harmless animal like that…. that’s psychopathy,” she added.
Police said they were aware of the video and are investigating.
A spokesman for the USPCA said the footage was appalling.
“Whether it was alive or dead, it is disgusting and vile abuse of an animals.
“We would be appalled that someone would derive any sadistic pleasure from either performing or filming such a gruesome act.
“We would encourage anyone with information to contact the police.”
Anyonw with information about the incident is asked to contact police at Strand Road on the 101 number.
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