Dog Suspended Midair By Collar Before Being Thrown By Man, Video Shows

The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) obtained a video Monday, which showed a man mistreating a dog. The organization has asked for the public’s help in identifying the suspects in the video.

The cell phone video showed a pit bull-type dog being suspended midair by its collar or scruff before being thrown on a bed or couch. While a man dressed in a white t-shirt and black shorts was seen directly involved in the act of animal cruelty, he was surrounded by at least two other individuals who were spectators to the incident and did nothing to stop it.

“Just those few seconds of being suspended in the air by a collar, cutting off the ability for the dog to breathe, is a considerable concern and a criminal violation,” Joe Warzycha of the RISPCA told NBC 10, adding that the acts depicted in the video violated Rhode Island’s cruelty laws, which meant the suspects could face potential felony charges, if there's evidence the dog was injured when it was thrown.

Apart from what was seen in the video, there was no additional information regarding the incident, including the place where it happened and the names of the people seen in the clip. The video was initially shared on one of the social media platforms.

"The Rhode Island SPCA received this video, and we are looking for assistance from the general public in identifying any of the parties depicted," said Warzycha in a release.

RISPCA was offering $500 for any information regarding the suspects or their whereabouts that leads to their arrest. Rep. Bill O’Brien (R-NH) told NBC 10 he wanted to add $200 to the award.

Anyone with any relevant information was requested to contact the RISPCA at 401-438-8150.