The cat is out of the bag.

The Malaysia Cat Club has demanded Malay tabloid, Harian Metro to explain the photo which was selected as the winner in its photo contest on Monday. The depressing photo featured a group of children having gales of laughter and a feline buried up to its head in the sand.

In an email to Astro AWANI, club president Khalid Rashid also known as Pak Rashid said the joke has left a bitter after taste in the mouth.

"It's an extreme joke. Many other things can be used as a joke but not this photo. This is a form of animal abuse -- it is sad and not funny," he said.

buried cat

According to Pak Rashid, who represent MCC it has asked the publication to explain why this particular picture is special to be on the daily.

The club has also asked concerned parties to issue an apology to worldwide animal lovers.

Harian Metro on Monday through its pullout, 'Variasi' published a photograph of three children playing with a cat buried in sand up to head height.

The contest requires participants to submit photos that have news value and the winner was awarded RM50.