Police in Walapane have arrested a suspect after a video showing a cat being subjected to severe cruelty circulated widely on social media.

The suspect, identified as Dhanaraja Srivikrema, was taken into custody following complaints lodged by animal rights activists. He was produced before court and has been remanded for 14 days until 24 February.

Activists who raised the complaint said the abused cat has since been removed from the location and placed in safety.

The complaint was led by animal welfare group Justice For Animals & Nature – JAN.