POLICE are investigating a video being circulated that appears to show a young man biting the head off a pigeon.
The video is believed to have been recorded in Derry at some point over the last week.
The PSNI has said they have seen the footage and investigations are ongoing.
In the clip, the young man appears to place the head of the bird into his mouth.
He then makes a tearing motion before appearing to spit something out and flinging the bird to the ground.
Afterwards he celebrates as some of his friends applaud.
It is unclear whether the bird, which appears motionless throughout, was alive before the incident.
A spokesman for the USPCA told the Belfast Telegraph: “Whether it was alive or dead, it is disgusting and vile abuse of an animal.
“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.”
