Hunt for yob who kicked puppy into air in London park

Dog lovers have vowed to hunt down a thug captured on film savagely kicking a puppy.

The RSPCA has launched an appeal to find the man, who was seen dragging the young lurcher through a park and stopping repeatedly to attack it.

At one point, the puppy is kicked so hard it is lifted off the ground. The footage was recorded in a park near Knee Hill, Abbey Wood, on 1 October and posted on YouTube. It ends when the man goes into woodland with the dog.

The film sparked outrage in internet chatrooms. One post on the Life With Dogs site said: "What a disgrace! That poor sweet puppy is terrified of this vile human. Let's get to work and get this guy! We must hunt him down, bring him to justice and save that sweet dog from certain death."

Another added: "The dog looks so scared and hesitant to follow him." RSPCA inspector Vicky Dawe said: "The poor thing looks so sad and frightened. We are hoping someone will recognise this man. We need to stop this dog suffering more cruelty."

In August, Mary Bale was identified with the help of bloggers after she was caught on CCTV dumping a cat in a bin outside a house in Coventry.

Anyone who can identify the man can call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.