Idaho Animal Cruelty: Woman Wearing Boxing Gloves Caught On Camera Viciously Punching Dog In Its Face

The Idaho Humane Society, after receiving an “overwhelming” number of calls and emails about a horrifying Snapchat video that went viral which showed a woman wearing a boxing glove repeatedly punching a dog in its face, said it has launched a probe.

In the video, the unnamed woman, who hails from Eagle, Idaho, is seen punching a German Shepherd at least nine times in its face. The dog is heard yelping as the woman, wearing workout gear, lands a hard blow on its face. She is then seen laughing and saying, “I hit him so hard I felt that through.”

Before the 13-second clip ends abruptly, someone in the background is heard saying “We’re boxing animals. Where’s Sarah McLachlan?” sarcastically, referring to the popular singer and well-known animal-rights activist whose songs have been featured in ads for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The video that went viral was later taken down considering its disturbing nature and also after outrage from viewers. The video is still streaming online after it was later shared on various social media platforms.

(Caution: The below video may be disturbing for some viewers)

The IHS, after receiving complaints about the disturbing incident, has launched an official investigation. The society identified the people involved in the video and has also been able to establish contact with them but chose not to disclose their identity as the outrage can cause a threat to their lives.

“The investigation is currently pending review at the local prosecutor’s office for a charging decision,” Kristine Schellhaas, spokeswoman for IHS said in an email.

The IHS said that the actions in the video are being considered for charges under Idaho's misdemeanor animal abuse statute, which criminalizes "every person who cruelly whips, beats or otherwise maliciously treats any animal."

The IHS also requested people to stop calling them about the video, adding that the large volume of calls was affecting their office's ability to carry out other duties and investigations.

Considering the nature of the conduct, the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office could charge the woman with animal cruelty charges under a local law that addresses “beating and harassing animals.”

If convicted the misdemeanor charge can carry a maximum sentence of up to six months in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.