Outrage has erupted after horrific footage of a kitten being subjected to shocking abuse was posted online, prompting animal rights campaigners to demand tough penalties
Shocking footage of kitten abuse posted to TikTok has sparked outrage. The video shows a six-month-old cat being sexually assaulted and cruelly abused.
The disturbing clip, which went viral, led to the arrest of two suspects after the animal’s former owner recognised her pet, named Rubby, in the footage. Animal rights campaigners are demanding tough sentences and hefty fines as the case heads to trial in Bourges next month.
The French Stéphane Lamart Association for the Defense of Animal Rights has joined as a civil party in the criminal case involving the sexual abuse of Rubby, as well as the recording and distribution of footage of the abuse. The hearing is scheduled to take place before the Bourges Criminal Court today (February 25).
The incident occurred earlier this month when a woman spotted a distressing video on TikTok featuring the young female cat she had previously entrusted to a young man. The footage showed the six-month-old kitten, Rubby, completely immobilised with adhesive tape wrapped around her body.
Disturbingly, the video also depicted a cannabis cigar being forced into the animal’s mouth, acts of sexual abuse, and scenes of mockery, leaving the kitten visibly distressed and unable to move, Savoir Animal reported. Two suspects were subsequently arrested and taken into custody at Vierzon police station, with one of them placed under supervision.
Moreover, Rubby was seized under Bourges Public Prosecutor’s orders. Later, a veterinary examination confirmed a vulvar tear, which proved evidence of sexual violence.
At the hearing, the Stéphane Lamart Association will call for the defendants to receive firm and deterrent sentences, as well as €10,000 (£8,500) in damages to compensate for the horrific harm caused to both the association and the wider animal welfare cause. Stéphane Lamart, the association’s president and founder, said: “It is time to move to the next phase.
“We have done enough to raise public awareness, ignorance can no longer be used as an excuse. Now, we must put an end to this animal suffering through strong decisions.
“That means exemplary convictions: prison sentences where justified, and significant financial penalties. Unless the courts hand down firm and truly dissuasive sentences, we will see these same offenders back in the dock in a few years.”
The offences in question carry penalties of up to four years in prison and fines of up to €60,000 (£51,000), particularly when committed as a group, in the presence of a minor, or by the animal’s owner or guardian.
The Stéphane Lamart Association stresses that animals are legally recognised as living, sentient beings, and that sexual violence and acts of cruelty against them are serious crimes which demand a robust criminal response to ensure both animal protection and the prevention of repeat offences.
The Daily Star has contacted TikTok for comment.
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