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Russian prosecutors launch probe into video of cat put into washing machine

The four-minute video published on Monday shows an unidentified couple stuffing a cat into a washing machine and turning it on

YEKATERINBURG, June 2. /TASS/. Prosecutors in the Urals city of Magnitogorsk have launched a probe into a YouTube video of a cat tossed into a washing machine, the press service of the local prosecutor's office said on Tuesday.

"We will check the video for animal cruelty," an announcement said.

The four-minute video published on Monday shows an unidentified couple stuffing the cat into a washing machine and turning it on. The couple laughed at the crying cat making fruitless attempts to get out. The soaked, frightened animal was later released.

Under the Russian Criminal Code, animal cruelty is punishable with a fine of 80,000 roubles (some $1,600), corrective labour or up to one year in jail.