LUDWIGSLUST - A man who whipped his fiancee with a cat faces prosecution under Germany's strict animal-rights laws, police said Monday.

In a drunken rage, the 43-year-old picked up the pet cat and repeatedly beat his fiancee with the feline until the animal was a bloody pulp.

It was unclear whether the 49-year-old woman would file charges of assault. She sustained cuts and bruises.

The cat did not survive and the man now faces prosecution under stiff animal-rights laws.

A year ago, Germany amended its constitution to protect the rights of all animals. Persons who unlawfully harm or kill animals are liable to stiff fines and jail terms.

Dude! I'm not really sure what to make of this...   --Tony