The cruel youngsters can be heard sniggering during the sickening footage as the distressed dog is engulfed in flames. The poor creature later collapsed on the floor and lost its fight for life.

Last night local prosecutors in San Luis Potosi, in north-central Mexico where the incident took place, said they were investigating what they described as “a terrible case of animal mistreatment.”

They should burn the morons that did this alive

The move came after Express.co.uk launched a petition calling for sick animal abusers to face tougher jail sentences. Hundreds of abusers in the UK face only a maximum of 26 weeks behind bars for causing untold agony to animals and heartbreak for pet owners. Express.co.uk is calling on David Cameron to increase the current sentence to a maximum of two years’ imprisonment, in keeping with the demands of the RSPCA and many other animal welfare groups.

IG This horrifying video shows sick yobs setting fire to a dog and revelling in it's struggle

Locals identified the spot where the killing took place as Santa Matilde in the municipality of Santo Domingo. One enraged Facebook user said: “They should burn the morons that did this alive. These people have got no souls.” Another added: “Where is ebola when you need it?”

IG The helpless animal is engulfed in flames and in its distress runs around to extinguish the blaze

Last January a shocking video went viral showing a gang of laughing young men in Honduras strapping two large fireworks to a dog’s body and lighting the fuse before running away. Moments later the screen filled with an explosion - and the dog was nowhere to be seen.

IG The poor creature collapses to the floor as cruelly loses it's life

IG The twisted youths strap two huge fireworks to the pooch and after a loud explosion the dog is gone

GRAPHIC CONTENT: Worst cases of animal cruelty Mon, November 28, 2016 WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: As part of our new 'STOP THE CRUELTY' campaign we take a look at some of the most horrific cases animal cruelty. Play slideshow PA 1 of 32 Handout photo issued by the Orangutan Foundation of Aan, a critically-endangered orangutan who was blinded after being shot more than 100 times with an air rifle. Aan is to undergo an operation that could restore her sight.