Man Arrested For Swinging Chihuahua Around His Head After Viral Video Appeal

Arrest Made After 'Chihuahua Swinging' Video Goes Viral

A 19-year-old has been arrested after he was filmed swinging a Chihuahua on a lead around his head.

The hideous act of animal cruelty by Alfie Loft happened at the end of last month with the video of it since going viral.

A Facebook post of the incident gained thousands of shares as members of the public sought to find the person responsible.

The incident happened at around 6pm on Thursday in Julians Road near to its junction with Fairview Road.

Luckily the dog was not injured and was returned to its female owner later that evening, police said.

The men had been allowed to take the dog for a walk but the owner was not aware of what happened until the video was posted on Facebook, the force added.

Hertfordshire Police confirmed an arrest had been made.

Loft will appear before magistrates in Hatfield.

RSPCA Inspector, Stephen Reeves, told the BBC the charity was "very concerned about this footage of someone swinging a Chihuahua around on a lead".

"This would likely have caused the animal great distress as well as potentially serious injury.

"We urge people to remember that they have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure animals in their care are properly looked after, free of suffering, with all their needs catered for."

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