POLICE are investigating an incident of 'animal cruelty' after a dog walker was caught on camera 'hitting' a German Shepherd dog.

Lucy from Reading felt "devastated" after seeing her dog walker Alistair Fennell from Paws 4 Life hit her 'nervous rescue dog Shadie.

The footage taken from her video doorbell shows Mr Fennell leading Shadie out of the door before a loud thud is heard.

Lucy immediately reported the incident to Thames Valley Police that her six-year-old dog had been hit by the dog walker she 'trusted'.

Police said they were called at around 4.35pm on Monday, June 28 to a report of animal cruelty in Tilehurst, Reading.

Investigations are ongoing at this time.

READ THE FULL STORY: WATCH: Doorbell footage shows Reading dog walker hitting German Shepherd dog

Reading dog walker said the situation had been 'taken out of context' and claims he performed one 'controlled, firm tap' after Shadie mouthed to him.

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Lucy said: "I couldn’t believe it, my heart sank and I was shaking in anger and could not believe someone who I trusted could do such a cruel thing to my family pet.

"I was at work when I watched the doorbell footage, my co-worker and I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t watch it thinking I would see what I saw, I just watched it as she barks like no tomorrow when we take her out and he said she made no ‘hackles’. Now we know why."