A motorcycle rider and pillion passenger were seen dragging a python tied to the tail of their bike in India.

Footage shows the pair without helmets travelling on the two-wheeler with a 10ft (3 metres) rope tied to the back of the bike in Rajasthan on October 12.

At the end of the string was a coiled snake estimated to be 12ft (3.6 metres) being towed across the road.

Footage of the careless duo sparked outrage and prompted an investigation by Forest Department officers by October 16.

Banswara Ranger Santosh Damor said: 'The plate number is visible in the video, and the department is using it to find leads.'

Depute Conservator of Forests Jignesh Sharma said the two men were not members of the local snake rescue team.

He said: 'Teams typically respond to rescue calls where animals are safely captured in sacks and released. No department personnel would engage in such an act of cruelty.'

Authorities are still looking for the identities of the men.