Outcry over dog in washing machine

A man who apparently put a dog in a washing machine and posted photographs on Facebook showing it struggling in the water has sparked a police investigation into suspected animal cruelty.

The pictures of the small white dog submerged in water and being spun round in the machine appeared on the Facebook page of a user going by the name of Jacky Lo. The photographs were accompanied by a smiley icon.

In response to a comment underneath asking if the dog was dead, Lo answers: "Yes! Do you want to see it!"

The post has sparked outrage online, with thousands sharing the photographs and calling for police to investigate. It is not yet known if police have tracked down the man involved.

The Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals called the incident "truly horrific".

It is the second large-scale outpouring of anger and grief over the death of a dog within the last month. Two weeks ago, hundreds of people held a rally in protest at the MTR's failure to rescue a dog that was hit by a train after it strayed onto rail tracks at Fanling.

The pictures of the dog in the washer caught widespread attention this week after being posted on August 12 by "Lo", who reportedly lives in Tuen Mun. Although it has not been confirmed whether the Facebook identity is genuine, the photographs appear to be real.