Footage of a man kicking a cow in western Japan has gone viral on social media, prompting local officials to inspect a farm.

The Shimane prefectural government says it received reports on Sunday of the video posted on TikTok.

The footage shows a man pulling a rope attached to the cow and kicking the animal's face and neck multiple times inside what appears to be a cattleshed.

On Monday, Shimane officials questioned the manager of the farm in Oda City who admitted that one of the farm's employees did the act and then posted the footage.

Officials conducted an on-site inspection in accordance with an ordinance that bans cruelty to animals and their inappropriate handling. They instructed the manager to implement thorough employee training.

Officials say hitting and kicking a cow are unforgivable behaviors. They plan to continue their inspection to look into the possibility of other inappropriate conduct.

The farm has suspended the employee from working.

Police are also investigating the case as a suspected violation of a law on animal welfare.