Hamster for drugs:  Woman arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty

A mum has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty for allegedly killing then eating her daughter's pet hamster in exchange for crack cocaine. Horrific video footage of the alleged incident has been posted online.

It was uploaded to Facebook and the 39-year-old woman is shown first apparently killing the poor creature that belonged to her daughter, then putting it in her mouth and swallowing it, reports WalesOnline. Police have confirmed a woman from Grantham in Lincolnshire was arrested on Thursday as part of an RSPCA investigation.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said: "We have arrested a 39-year-old woman on suspicion of cruelty to animals following a distressing video which was posted on social media depicting an act involving a hamster. The Grantham woman was arrested by our officers yesterday (June 23) following an investigation led by the RSPCA.

“She has been released under investigation, and we will continue to support the RSPCA with their investigation.”

Meanwhile an RSPCA spokesperson said: “This is an extremely upsetting video and we’d like to reassure the public that we are investigating and working closely with the police. Please do not call us about this video, unless you have first hand information about the incident which could aid an investigation, as it could stop emergency calls about animals in need getting through to us."