Three teens questioned over video showing torture of dog

Three teenage boys were taken into custody in Arta, northwestern Greece, on Tuesday following an uproar caused by a video posted on a social networking website allegedly showing them pouring flammable liquid onto a small dog and setting it alight.

A police announcement on Tuesday said the three suspects are males aged 11, 14 and 16 respectively. A search is under way for a third suspect who is believed to have shot the video, which prompted angry reactions from animal rights groups and the local community.

Police were able to track the suspects with the help of the cyber crimes unit, which contacted the Internet service provider used.

"The protection of animals is a matter of moral order and a sign of civilization and humanity," Public Order Minister Vassilis Kikilias said following the arrests.

"I repeat: There will be no tolerance for such behavior," he added.

According to animal rights website zoosos.gr, which first brought attention to the footage, the three boys are allegedly seen in an empty lot near the Arta courthouse dousing a small dog with a flammable liquid while having it tied with a piece of green rope and then letting it go after setting it alight. There was no information regarding the fate of the dog, which is seen running away yelping.