Dog Seized in Lanzarote After Alleged Animal Abuse
A dog has been taken into the care of authorities in San Bartolomé, Lanzarote, following an alleged incident of animal abuse at a rural property in the municipality.
The incident took place on Saturday, 22 August, and was subsequently reported to the authorities after two people in the area reportedly witnessed what was happening and recorded part of the incident.
According to information published by La Voz de Lanzarote, the animal was a female dog just nine months old. The witnesses contacted ADEMAL Lanzarote, the association dedicated to the defence and protection of animals on the island, which then reported the case to SEPRONA, the environmental protection unit of the Guardia Civil.
What allegedly happened?
The witnesses reportedly recorded footage showing a man allegedly mistreating the young dog at a farm in the San Bartolomé area of Lanzarote.
According to the report, the animal was allegedly thrown against the back of a vehicle before being restrained with a very short chain. The report also alleges that the dog was struck repeatedly, including around the head.
The footage was subsequently used to alert ADEMAL to the situation, and has been circulated on social media.
Following the incident, San Bartolomé Local Police seized the dog, removing it from the situation while the case is dealt with by the relevant authorities.
It is important to stress that these are allegations reported in connection with the incident. Any potential criminal or administrative responsibility will ultimately be determined through the appropriate investigation and legal process.
ADEMAL calls for investigation
ADEMAL has asked for an urgent inspection of the circumstances surrounding the dog and for responsibility to be established if the alleged mistreatment is confirmed.
The organisation has reportedly referred the matter to SEPRONA of the Guardia Civil, which has responsibility for investigating a range of offences involving animals and the environment.
The case once again highlights the importance of members of the public reporting suspected animal abuse in Lanzarote rather than ignoring situations that appear to place an animal at risk.
In this particular case, the presence of witnesses and the recording of the alleged incident provided information that could be passed to the relevant authorities.
Animal welfare laws in Spain
Animal welfare legislation in Spain has strengthened considerably in recent years.
Spain’s national Animal Welfare Law, Law 7/2023, establishes a framework intended to protect animal welfare and specifically includes objectives such as combating animal abuse and abandonment and promoting responsible ownership.
The legislation also recognises responsibilities for various authorities, including SEPRONA, Policía Nacional, regional police forces and Local Police, within their respective areas of competence.
This means that animal welfare is not simply a matter for charities and animal rescue organisations. Police and other competent authorities also have an important role in responding to suspected cases of neglect, abandonment or abuse.
What should you do if you witness animal abuse in Lanzarote?
For both residents and visitors to Lanzarote, witnessing suspected animal cruelty can be distressing, particularly when you are unsure what action to take.
The safest approach is not to put yourself in danger or confront someone you believe may be abusing an animal.
Instead, where it is safe and appropriate:
- Record relevant information from a safe location.
- Note the exact location and time.
- Record details that could help identify the animal or property.
- Contact the appropriate police or animal-welfare authorities.
- Consider contacting an established animal protection organisation such as ADEMAL for advice.
- If there is an immediate danger to an animal or person, contact the emergency services.
Photographs or video can potentially be useful evidence, but people should avoid putting themselves at risk to obtain it.
A reminder for Lanzarote residents and visitors
Lanzarote is home to thousands of dogs, cats and other animals, and animal welfare remains an important issue for communities across the island.
If you see something that genuinely concerns you, don’t simply assume that somebody else will report it. A responsible report can help ensure that the appropriate authorities are able to assess the situation.
In this latest case in San Bartolomé, Lanzarote, the actions of two people who witnessed the alleged incident resulted in the matter being brought to the attention of ADEMAL and subsequently SEPRONA.
The investigation and any resulting legal proceedings will determine what happened and whether further action is warranted.
