Investigation launched after kids are shown skipping rope with python

Authorities in Queensland, Australia, are investigating a possible animal-cruelty case after reviewing footage that showed children skipping rope with a python. The video appears to have been deleted, but images of the disturbing incident are circulating online.

7 News in Australia reports that the footage was captured in Woorabinda and shared earlier this week. The case is under investigation by Queensland’s Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

The snake has been identified as a black-headed python, a non-venomous reptile that grows to about 6 feet.

In the footage, according to reports, the children laughed as they skipped rope with the reptile. It’s not clear if the snake was dead before, or killed during its use as a jumping rope.

Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers, which relocates problem snakes in Australia, shared the accompanying image, stating via Instagram: “The saddest part about this video is that the children were being encouraged by an adult to carry out this behavior. It’s extremely important that parents educate their children on respecting wildlife so incidents like this don’t continue to happen.”

The company added: “We have seen a big increase lately in members of the public catching snakes or hurting/killing snakes like in this video, and it’s sickening to watch.”

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Australia investigating after kids shown jumping rope with a python