Hong Kong police have arrested a 72-year-old woman over suspected cruelty to animals after receiving a tip-off about a video in which a dog was seen tied to a tree branch and being swung around.

The woman, surnamed Yeung, was arrested in Ma On Shan at around 9am on Sunday and has been detained for investigation.

An inspector with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) seized two Pomeranians belonging to the woman following the arrest. The dogs will be brought to SPCA’s Wan Chai centre for inspection by a vet.

A spokeswoman for the SPCA said the organisation would provide the vet report to police to help with the investigation.

Police officers and the SPCA inspector were initially unable to locate the suspect or the dog after receiving a tip-off on Saturday morning about the incident in Wu Kai Sha near Ma On Shan.

In the video, a woman was seen dangling the dog with a rope tied to a tree branch and then shaking the tree, causing the animal to twist and turn in mid-air.

The incident comes as at least six dogs have died from suspected poisonings after visiting Cyberport Waterfront Park, prompting officers to step up patrols there.

In Hong Kong, cruelty to animals carries a maximum penalty of three years in jail and a fine of up to HK$200,000 (US$25,780).