Animal welfare officials investigate viral video showing fish abuse as social media platforms remove disturbing footage.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has launched an investigation after a man was filmed forcing beer into a live fish’s mouth, prompting widespread condemnation.

The 20-second video shows the man laughing while pouring Sol beer into the struggling fish’s mouth, accompanied by a woman’s laughter in the background. Officials have identified the perpetrator and are gathering evidence for potential prosecution.

“The NSPCA takes such incidents seriously and is in the process of gathering all necessary information to pursue legal action,” said spokesperson Jacques Peacock, citing the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.

The case echoes a 2023 incident where men were prosecuted for force-feeding beer to a Southern African python. Animal welfare advocates are now pushing for stronger measures to prevent animal cruelty.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s Belinda Abrahams urged the public not to share the video, warning that even negative reactions can boost its visibility through social media algorithms.