SINGAPORE - The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) is probing a case of alleged animal abuse after a man was caught on camera hitting, kicking and lifting a dog by its leash.

The incident, which was filmed and uploaded on Facebook by user Maimunah Mohadi on Monday (May 23) morning, has sparked outrage online. The Facebook post has since been shared close to 7,000 times.

In two separate videos, the bare-chested man is seen at the back of a house with three dogs, including a black and white husky on a leash.

The man is seen delivering a blow to the husky's head before lifting it up briefly by its neck in mid-air.

He also aimed at least two kicks to the sides of its head.

While the location of where the incident took place was not disclosed, The Straits Times understands that it took place at a terrace house at Jalan Loyang Besar in Pasir Ris.

In response to media queries, an AVA spokesman said it was investigating the case.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) told The Straits Times it was first alerted to the video after a complaint was sent via its online portal on Monday morning.

The AVA was subsequently informed, said an SPCA spokesman.

The man in question, Mr Alan Chiam, took to his Facebook page to apologise for the "seemingly harsh actions made during the discipline process". He said the issue has caused distress to his family members, who he claimed have been harassed on social media.

Mr Chiam added that AVA had visited his home and taken the husky to SPCA for medical checks.

In a statement, SPCA's acting executive director Jaipal Singh Gill confirmed that the husky had been removed from its owner's home and was now under the care of SPCA. It had also been sent for a thorough physical examination and X-rays.

"The SPCA condemns this blatant act of animal abuse and will work closely with the authorities for stern action to be taken against the perpetrator," he added.

"We thank everyone for their concern and for speaking up on behalf of the animal."