animal cruelty

WARNING: This story contains details some readers will find distressing.

Max Loketi, 28, was working on a farming property at Hamel, south of Perth, in March when he picked up the small black cat and repeatedly hit it with a two-metre pole.

The footage of the attack, which was played in the Perth Magistrates Court, showed Loketi first holding the animal by the tail and then hitting it again when it was on the floor, barely moving.

Another person can be heard laughing in the background.

The new Animal Protection Act will see anyone selling, eating or buying the animals for consumption facing fines of up to £6,500.

Those found guilty of animal cruelty could also receive a huge fine of £52,000 and two years in prison.

Taiwan is the first Asian country to crack down on the practice.

The new law tackles long-standing cultural beliefs about the benefits of eating dogs - for example, eating black dogs in winter is supposed to help you stay warm.

Comedian and actor Mike Epps has been dealing with backlash in the wake of incorporating one into his Detroit show last Friday.

Epps, who is known for roles in various projects including "The Hangover," invited zoo owner and exotic animal handler Javon Stacks on stage with a kangaroo.

A video shows the comedian and the handler with the kangaroo, which is held upright. Epps tugs on the kangaroo's harness before the animal appears to throw his paw back toward the star. Epps then runs off the stage.