A TikTok video showing a man punching a possum in the face in New Zealand has outraged animal advocates.
The video, posted by @gvc_steve, shows a young possum perched on a fence with a voice saying “Hey dick, what are you doing there?”
A second voice asks “Shall I smack him?” The first voice answers “Smack him!”
A closed fist is then seen punching the possum hard in the face causing it to fly off the fence backwards. An audible smack can be heard. Laughter from the two individuals which aren’t shown on camera follows.
The video was shot in New Zealand but it is not apparent which part of the country.
Direct Animal Action spokesperson Deirdre Sims says the video is deplorable and is an act of animal cruelty.
“While possums are considered “pests” in New Zealand, what is shown in this TikTok video is blatant animal cruelty and this is not acceptable behaviour.
“The fact that it is being glorified on social media makes it even more despicable.
“We have reported this video to the New Zealand SPCA who’ve advised us that they have an investigation underway.
“We are calling on the SPCA not to take this lightly but to take serious action on it.
“People need to know that animal abuse should not be used as a tool to get more views, likes and shares on social media,” says Ms Sims.
DIRECT ANIMAL ACTION
Direct Animal Action is motivated by compassion and justice.
