The National Police (Polri) says it is looking into a widely circulated video showing a man in police uniform throwing a kitten into a ditch with force, which has sparked outrage throughout the country.
In the 13-second clip that has made its rounds on social media, a man wearing what appears to be the uniform of Polri’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit can be seen holding a white kitten on a bridge.
“What, Rembo, a cat?” the person behind the camera asked him, presumably calling him by his nickname.
The man then hurled the kitten into the water in a ditch below the bridge while laughing. Fortunately, the poor cat appeared to have survived as it tried to swim to the edge of the ditch.
The clip has caught the attention of animal protection groups, many of whom have been sharing it today, including animal activist/rescuer Christian Joshua Pale.
“I know I’m facing a big force, but if I don’t go on with the process, then his act will stain the name of his institution and will become an example for other perpetrators of violence,” Christian wrote to his 84,200 followers, calling on them to help identify the man.
Police said that they are looking for more information regarding the video, as it’s not yet known where and when the incident was filmed.
“Yes, we’re still investigating where it occurred, who the person was. If the man in the video is proven to be a Brimob officer, he will be dealt with in accordance with the laws and regulations that apply,” Polri spokesman Awi Setiyono said yesterday.
Awi said that such an act violates Polri’s code of professional ethics on obeying and respecting decency, religious, local wisdom values, and legal norms.
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