Men Torture Rat Before Launching It Out Of Pipe Like A Cannonball

22 May 2017, 18:36 | Updated: 22 May 2017, 20:05

Horrific footage has emerged of a rat being forced into a metal pipe and then launched into the air in a makeshift cannon.

Warning: Some may find the video above distressing.

The cruel act is now being investigated by the RSPCA after the video was viewed thousands of times on Facebook.

It shows a man in a garage leaning into a plastic bin before pulling out the helpless animal by its tail using pliers.

He and a second man are then filmed trying to shove the squeaking rat into a metal exhaust pipe before the creature is fired metres into the air.

RSPCA inspectors are appealing for anyone who might recognise the men in the video or where it was shot to contact them.

Anyone with information about the video is urged to contact the animal charity on 0300 123 8018.