Tasmanian police have launched an investigation into a video appearing to show a sheep being shorn with a chainsaw on a property last week.
The video, which was posted to Facebook, depicts one man holding down the distressed animal while the other appears to shear it.
Previously, police said under animal welfare laws, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) were responsible for undertaking action against the individuals involved.
RSPCA Tasmania launched its own investigation last week and said it had since been working with Tasmania Police to look into the matter.
"We've identified the people who are involved [and] the police have interviewed one of the people," said RSPCA chief executive Jan Davies.
In a statement, police said no charges have been laid at this stage, but said they anticipated prosecuting those involved under the Animal Welfare Act.
Stunt 'considered a joke'
Ms Davies said the RSPCA had seen an emerging trend of videos depicting animal cruelty on social media.
"It sort of leaves you a bit speechless," she said.
"We all know people say stuff on social media that they'd never say to your face, this is just another example of them posting stuff that you'd never really think anybody would.
"We were told in this case — as we are in many – that, 'Oh it was just a joke.'
Ms Davies said the outpouring of community anger was proof that abuse against animals would not be tolerated in Tasmania.
"We had people ringing who recognised the people [and] the shearing shed," she said.
"Everybody that saw it was outraged [and] appalled that anybody could do something so stupid.
"To not only do it [but] video it and then post it on social media. What goes through people's minds?"
Hefty penalties for animal cruelty
People found to have committed acts of animal cruelty may face more than just a hefty fine.
"There are serious penalties for cruelty to animals … you can go to jail, you can be banned from owning an animal for life," said Ms Davies.
In June last year, a dead German shepherd dog was found hanging from the window of a Sandy Bay property.
Its owner had previously received a cruelty infringement notice from the RSPCA, but laws at the time prevented its inspectors from removing the dog.
This prompted the Tasmanian government to consider strengthening laws around animal welfare.
The proposed changes to the Animal Welfare Act would mean people found guilty of aggravated cruelty may face penalties up to $33,600 and/or five years' imprisonment.
The state government said the tougher punishments would "send a strong message and increase deterrence against acts of animal cruelty".
