KLERKSDORP - A man is facing charges of animal cruelty after allegedly filming himself abusing a rat and posting the footage on social media.
The video shows the rodent trapped in a cage while the man appears to subject it to abuse.
According to the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), investigators traced the suspect to a town outside Klerksdorp in the North West.
He was arrested and charged with animal cruelty in terms of the Animal Protection Act before being released on bail.
“Members of the public are urged not to share content depicting animal abuse, as this can further normalise and amplify harm,” the organisation said.