Cruelty for Clicks
From puppies tied up for fake ‘rescues’ to baby monkeys tormented for entertainment, animal abuse is being staged, sold and shared across some of the world’s largest platforms. True crime meets investigative journalism in Cruelty for Clicks, a documentary that follows a global network of investigators, attorneys, psychologists and advocates working to expose the people and systems behind the posts.
The film reveals how apparently ‘cute’ content can hide suffering, how staged rescues are engineered for engagement, and how encrypted chatgroups traffic illegal ‘crush’ videos. Despite protests, petitions and a lawsuit against YouTube, abusive material continues to evade moderation and earn attention and money.
Yet the story is not without hope. Mini, once exploited as a YouTube ‘star,’ is rescued and returned to the wild. Tigers and other exotic animals find refuge at a sanctuary. Investigations help law enforcement identify perpetrators, leading to arrests and prison sentences. Viewers will learn how to identify animal cruelty behind the clever facades, and what to do when they see it.