A live stream of a man using his feet to touch and stimulate the snouts of about 20 seated dogs was broadcast on the internet. The man, who had been warned not to continue the activity by the police, kept touching the dogs with his bare feet which were wearing a pair of dirty sneakers and a pair of stinky socks.
The dogs appeared to be enjoying the attention as some of them started licking the man’s feet while others wagged their tails and looked contented. The live stream was broadcast on several social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Police officers were alerted by a viewer who was shocked by the video and expressed concern that it could be against animal welfare laws. Officers arrived at the location where the man was streaming live from and he was promptly arrested for his actions.
The RSPCA, an animal welfare charity in the UK, stated that using feet to stimulate animals without their consent is considered “unnecessary suffering” and against animal welfare laws.
It’s unclear what the punishment will be for the man but it’s likely he could face charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which states that anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can be fined up to £20,000 and/or sentenced to imprisonment for up to six months.
