"A new report compiled by investigators at Lady Freethinker, Scrolling Through Cruelty, reveals thousands of disturbing videos circulating openly on major social media platforms, where animals are tortured and killed, forced into staged rescues, pitted against one another in fights, and even sexually abused - all for views, clicks, and profit. Collectively, these videos racked up an astonishing 1 billion+ views. The most common animal cruelty content documented was monkey torture, animal fighting, and fake rescues, where animals are deliberately put into dangerous situations so perpetrators can film dramatic "rescues.""
"Some videos showed dogs, cats, snakes, roosters, and other animals forced into fights, while others displayed puppies, kittens, and chickens being crushed, burned, or subjected to sexual violence. Researchers also found extensive evidence of viewers of this content being funneled from social media platforms to encrypted messaging apps like Telegram, where longer and even more horrifying videos are shared, sold, and requested by paying customers."
Between May 1 and June 30, 2025, 2,341 links to animal cruelty content were identified across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X, of which 1,744 remained active. Facebook hosted more than three-quarters of the videos and accounted for 95% of the monkey torture content. Common formats included monkey torture, animal fighting, and staged fake rescues, with animals crushed, burned, sexually abused, or forced into fights. The videos amassed over one billion views. Viewers are directed to encrypted apps like Telegram where longer and more graphic videos are shared, sold, and requested. Platforms monetize and amplify creators, increasing harm to animals and viewers, including children.
Read at Lady Freethinker
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