A VIDEO has surfaced showing a man slapping a dog in the face and the RSPCA are appealing for information to find the owner of the animal.

The RSPCA is appealing for information in a bid to trace the owner of a dog that featured in a shocking online video.

The 30-second video shows a man forcefully slapping the dog around the face while laughing with another person filming.

The video began circulating on social media at the beginning of October. Shocked social media users alerted the charity to the incident, launching an investigation.

In the video, a man gets out of a vehicle and walks towards a Dogue de Bordeaux who has his head poking out of the back window of a parked black pick-up truck.

The dog stares and the man suddenly slaps the animal in the head. It barks in return and a second Bordeaux mastiff emerges.

The second Dogue de Bordeaux then emerges through the open window and barks at the man who retreats while he — and the person filming the video — laugh.

RSPCA investigators believe the video was filmed in the UK due to the number plates of passing vehicles, but it’s unclear where the incident occurred.

The man is described as white, with fair hair. He was wearing black shiny shoes, black trousers and a white, long-sleeve t-shirt.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Tony Pritchard said: “We’re keen to hear from the owner of these dogs. They may be completely unaware of this incident.

“We’d like to check that this dog is okay and gather some more information about him and what happened here.

“We’re also appealing to the public to get in touch with us if they recognise the culprit in the video.”

Anyone who believes they recognise the dogs, knows where this incident took place or has any information on who is responsible should contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.