A disturbing video showing a child swinging a dog in circles through the air by its collar and lead has horrified animal lovers.

The footage, filmed by a neighbour on a housing estate in St. Petersburg, western Russia, caused outrage when it was shared on social media on 11th May.

The video shows the child lifting the tiny dog off the ground by its lead and swinging it around in circles.

The clip shows the child twirling the helpless pup first one way then the other as it yelps and struggles to get free.

Then the child walks down the street still swinging the stricken pooch around in circles.

As the clip closes the child stops and the dog is set down on the pavement.

It is unclear how badly injured the dog was by the sickening ordeal.

Animal rights activists have condemned the video, calling for an immediate investigation and demanding that the abuser should be arrested.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)