Distressing footage of a dog being beaten in a field has sparked an RSPCA investigation.

Anna Ratkiewicz was out walking her own pooch in St Aidan’s Park, in Gravesend, when she approached a man who looked like he was hitting his pet Labrador with a ball thrower.

Scroll down for video. Warning: some viewers may find the footage distressing.

She told KentOnline: “What I witnessed was appalling. It is the third time I have approached this man whilst walking my dog.

“Every time without fail, I have witnessed this man treat his dog inhumanly, shouting and beating them when they were running around near him causing no trouble.

“Every time I proceed to go up to confront him about his behaviour he runs away and leaves the field.

“I strongly condemn animal abuse. If he is treating his dog like this in public we can only imagine what he is doing to the dog at home.”

The horrifying footage captures the moment the man dressed in black goes over to his yellow Labrador which is walking slowly behind him.

The dog then lies down while the suspect beats them multiple times with a dog toy resembling a thrower.

Anna said the incident happened at around midday last Tuesday (January 9) at the park in St Aidan's Way and it has been reported to the RSPCA.

A spokesperson for the animal charity said they are aware of the “distressing video” which has been shared online and on various Facebook groups.

They added: “We are appealing for the person who took the video and posted it to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“We would also ask anyone else who witnessed the incident first-hand or recognises the male or the dog to get in touch.”

If you have any information that can help, contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999, quoting reference number 01207912.