Man Arrested for Alleged Animal Abuse After Puppy Filmed Being Hit in San Bartolomé
A man is facing investigation for alleged animal abuse in Lanzarote after disturbing footage emerged showing a nine-month-old female dog being repeatedly hit and handled violently in San Bartolomé.
The incident has prompted concern among animal lovers on the island after members of the public reportedly recorded what was happening and alerted an animal welfare organisation.
Nine-month-old dog removed from owner
The incident took place on Saturday, 22 August, at a finca in the municipality of San Bartolomé, according to reports published locally.
Footage reportedly shows the young dog being thrown into the rear of a pick-up truck before being restrained with an extremely short chain. The animal can also be seen being struck, including around the head, while appearing to cry.
Two people who witnessed the incident are understood to have recorded the footage and subsequently contacted the Association for the Defence Against Animal Abuse in Lanzarote (ADEMAL).
The organisation reported the alleged abuse to the Guardia Civil’s environmental protection unit, SEPRONA, and called for urgent action.
The Policía Local de San Bartolomé subsequently confiscated the dog, which was reported to be safely housed at the municipal animal facility.
Guardia Civil investigation
Following the allegations and the video evidence, SEPRONA became involved in the case.
Local reports state that the man was detained in connection with the alleged animal abuse. Further reporting says that he was subsequently released while remaining under investigation, with the case expected to proceed through the appropriate authorities.
ADEMAL has called for the appropriate responsibilities to be established and has requested an urgent inspection relating to the animal’s circumstances.
Public intervention highlights importance of reporting animal abuse
The case has also highlighted the role that members of the public can play when they witness suspected animal cruelty in Lanzarote.
In this case, witnesses reportedly recorded what they saw and contacted an animal welfare organisation, allowing the incident to be brought to the attention of the authorities.
ADEMAL has strongly rejected the idea that physically hitting an animal can be considered a method of discipline, describing such behaviour as animal abuse.
For residents and visitors to Lanzarote, the case is another reminder that concerns about the welfare of animals should be reported rather than ignored.
What to do if you witness suspected animal abuse in Lanzarote
Anyone who witnesses suspected animal cruelty should consider contacting the appropriate local authorities or an established animal welfare organisation.
If it is safe to do so, recording relevant information about what happened, including the location, time and circumstances, may assist an investigation. People should avoid putting themselves in danger or confronting an aggressive individual.
A worrying incident for Lanzarote’s animal lovers
The San Bartolomé case has generated concern across Lanzarote, particularly because the alleged abuse was captured on video by members of the public and circulated on social media.
For now, the most important development is that the nine-month-old dog has been removed from the reported situation and is being cared for while the authorities investigate.
