A teenager has sparked outrage after dunking his puppy in freezing water as part of the ice bucket challenge

A video believed to have been filmed in the Edmonton area shows the boy plunging the squirming, yelping puppy into the ice bucket.

In the clip, which was posted on social media, the boy performs the stunt and tells viewers his dog would like to nominate “all the others dogs here and all the cats as well, yeah.”

Infuriated by the footage, protesters have begun an online petition, with more than 2,500 people calling for the boy to be prosecuted for animal cruelty.

The ice bucket craze has been taken up millions across the globe including famous celebrities in order to raise awareness for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, which is trying to find a cure for motor neurone disease.

The RSPCA is investigating the incident.

A spokeswoman said: “The RSPCA is aware of this incident and is now investigating.  Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 123 8018.

"The aim of the ice bucket challenge is to raise money and awareness for charity - this 'stunt' goes against everything it stands for. Any responsible pet owner would be shocked by this.

"It is likely that the puppy in the footage could have been caused distress, if not harm, and we are very concerned that others would think this is appropriate. Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is an offence under law and we would strongly urge people not to copy this video."