This distressing image reportedly captures a police officer beat a stray dog on a street in China after it "frightening children and the elderly".
The violent actions have led to the deaths of some dogs, according to reports in local media.
But Chengguan - China’s urban management officers - have faced a backlash of criticism in the city of Yingtan after the accusations emerged today.
Yingtan’s city management office admitted the officers' brutal methods were "inappropriate". It reportedly stated the dogs had frightened children and the elderly in the city.
Distressing videos have, though, been shared online and appear to show officers striking the canines with metal poles.
In one particularly shocking video, a pool of blood can be seen after the officers repeatedly hit the animals.
The stray dog can be seen falling to the floor and ultimately lying in its own blood.
Since becoming aware of the clips, Yingtan’s city management office insisted police have been “criticised and educated” and stressed other methods for controlling the stray dog problem were being explored.
In late 2018, a man was filmed violently beating a dozen stray dogs at a shelter in Zhoushan city, China.
Social media users were left horrified after watching the video.
One posted said: "If China had an animal welfare law, this man would be in jail.
"Shelters should protect animals from the cruel streets, not abuse them."
