14 September 2016, 20:10 GMT
A teenager in the city of Khabarovsk, in Russia's Far East, has been arrested for her shocking cruelty to animals, Russia's Life News reported on Thursday.
A police source said that one teenager is a suspect and another is a witness in the case, which came to light when one 17-year-old and one 16-year-old girl posted photographs of animal cruelty online and published messages about the crimes.
Users of social networks who saw the photographs and conversations reported that the girls claimed to have answered local adverts seeking homes for unwanted animals.
A photo of animal cruelty in Khabarovsk uploaded to a social network by the suspect
© Photo : Alina Orlova/vk.com
They allegedly told volunteers that they were picking up a dog in order to take it to an elderly woman. After that, they abused it and posted the photos online.
A photo of animal cruelty in Khabarovsk uploaded to a social network by the suspect
© Photo : Alina Orlova/vk.com
According to Life News, the 17-year-old suspect in the case was arrested at Tolmachevo Airport in Novosibirsk, and has been placed under guard in a children's care facility, having threated to commit suicide. She has reportedly told investigators that she hears voices which allegedly commanded her to kill dogs.
A photo of animal cruelty in Khabarovsk uploaded to a social network by the suspect
© Photo : Alina Orlova/vk.com
She has also told police that she is the "Devil's Duchess," and must wear a bloody apron, Life News reported.
The crimes have elicited a horrified reaction from Russian internet users, some of whom set up a Change.org petition urging prosecutors to take serious action against both girls, which has gathered more than 36,000 signatures in less than a week.
According to Russian law, the abuse of animals may be punished by up to two years in prison.
