The National Police (Polri) has confirmed that the man in police uniform who was filmed throwing a kitten into a ditch with force was indeed an officer, and that he abused the poor little thing over a trivial matter.
Related — Outrage as man in police uniform filmed hurling kitten into ditch
The man, identified as SS, is a member of Polri’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit in North Sumatra. Polri spokesman Awi Setiyono said the incident took place on Sept. 30, when SS was working in the province. He has since been stationed in Jakarta, and was questioned by Brimob’s Internal Security Unit following the viral clip.
“We have questioned his motive. From his confession, he said that it was not intentional. When he was eating during his shift in the evening, his food was stolen by the cat so he became upset, he then hurled the cat into the ditch. However, he was aware that he was being filmed by his colleague,” Awi said yesterday.
Polri said SS will be sternly dealt with for his actions, with Awi previously saying that what SS did violated Polri’s code of professional ethics on obeying and respecting decency, religious, local wisdom values, and legal norms.
In the 13-second clip that has sparked outrage throughout the country this week, SS can be seen holding a white kitten on a bridge before hurling it 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 expressed outrage, 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.
There are no reports yet of SS potentially facing criminal charges for his action.
