The discovery of several animals in extremely unsanitary conditions has triggered an investigation for alleged animal abuse in Tenerife. The event, which has caused considerable shock in the community, took place on May 26 in a house in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos. There, officers from the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA), attached to the Civil Guard Command of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, found several abandoned domestic animals in deplorable condition.
The intervention began after an alert call by local residents to the Citizen Security post of the Civil Guard in Puerto de la Cruz. The reason for the alert was the strong smell of putrefaction emanating from a house, raising suspicions of possible abandonment. The PAPRONA unit immediately mobilized to the location.
Upon inspecting the interior of the house, the officers confirmed an alarming scene: three dogs, two cats, and a rabbit were living among their own excrement, surrounded by a large accumulation of decomposing feces. This had caused an infestation of flies and insects, further worsening the unsanitary environment.
The animals showed evident signs of severe malnutrition, dehydration, and muscular weakness, prompting authorities for their urgent removal. The priority was to ensure their health and well-being, so their transfer was coordinated to a shelter managed by an animal protection association, where they remain under veterinary supervision.
Coordination between security forces and local administration
The rescue operation involved agents from the Civil Guard of Puerto de la Cruz, the Local Police of Icod de los Vinos, and personnel from the Town Hall, demonstrating an effective and rapid joint response to an animal protection emergency.
During the intervention, officers noted multiple irregularities. None of the animals had veterinary records, and only two had identification microchips, constituting a violation of several current legal regulations:
– Law 8/1991, of April 30, on animal protection in the Canary Islands
– Law 7/2023, of March 28, on the protection of animal rights and welfare
– Law 50/1999, of December 23, on the legal regime of keeping potentially dangerous animals
Parallel to the rescue, SEPRONA, with the support of Citizen Security, located and identified the alleged responsible party on the same day, May 26. This person has been placed at the disposal of the court in Icod de los Vinos, along with the documentation prepared by the Civil Guard.
