Footage of a male appearing to kick a busker's dog in Belfast city centre has sparked outrage.
The video has circulated on social media and appears to show a man kicking the small white dog in the Cornmarket area of the city .
It is understood it followed a reported altercation on Thursday evening, June 6, and police confirmed a 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including disorderly behaviour and cruelty to animals.
Daniel Barclay, a spokesperson for Northern Ireland says "NO" to Animal Cruelty, said: "This video shows an altercation between two men.
"One of them appears to kick the dog in the face. The innocent dog yelped in pain and fear.
"We expect that the authorities give this matter their full attention with such an obvious line of enquiry.
"We claim to take animal cruelty seriously in this country and we want a thorough investigation with appropriate charges brought."
Police are appealing for information and witnesses following the incident yesterday evening.
Inspector Wendy Pollock said: "We received a report at around 5.20pm that a man was harassing a male busker. It’s believed that he pushed the busker and took his money, and subsequently kicked the busker’s dog.
"Police have arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of a number of offences, including disorderly behaviour and cruelty to animals. He remains in custody, assisting with enquiries.
"Our enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing to anyone with information, or who was in the Cornmarket area around that time and witnessed the incident, to contact us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1492 of 06/06/19."
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