LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- University of Louisville is investigating after an off-campus incident involving a student allegedly committing acts of animal cruelty.

A graphic video posted on social media shows a UofL student air frying live baby chicks and baby chicks hanging dead from a ceiling. In a recorded Instagram story, he is seen putting seasoning on a live chick inside an air-fryer. In another video, a bird appears to be dead inside the air fryer. 

The school in Louisville shared on Saturday afternoon that it was aware of an off-campus incident. UofL confirmed the social media accounts belong to a current student.

"We take reports of occurrences like this very seriously. After hearing about this off-campus incident, the university immediately relayed all relevant information to the appropriate authorities for further investigation," UofL posted.

A UofL student said she called police after seeing the videos.

"It just gives you a grimy feeling like I feel wrong for being able to see it," said Sarah Devers, a UofL student. "

Rebecca Eaves, an animal rights advocate, believes it could lead to a bigger issue.

"One thing that we always have to remember is there is a direct link from someone who will take innocent creatures and torture them," Eaves said. "There is a direct link to other forms of cruelty, and it will escalate."

The student allegedly posted a text claiming the chicks were robotic and programmed.

"Nice try trying to gaslight, I think anyone that has ever seen baby chicks before can tell that those are real living baby chicks," Devers said. 

In Kentucky, animal cruelty is generally a misdemeanor. In order to be considered a crime, the mistreatment must be cruel or result in the animal's injury.

"I would like to see him not be a student anymore, I don't have a student like that and getting a degree at the University of Louisville is anyway correct," Devers said.

A UofL spokesperson said the incident is under investigation by University of Louisville Police Department and the university's student affairs.

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