The discovery of several animals in extreme conditions of insalubrity has triggered an investigation for alleged animal abuse in Tenerife. The incident, 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 made by local residents to the Civil Guard’s Citizen Security post in Puerto de la Cruz. The reason for the alert was the strong smell of decay emanating from a house, which raised suspicions of a possible abandonment situation. The PAPRONA unit immediately mobilized to the location.
Upon inspecting the interior of the house, the officers confirmed an alarming scenario: three dogs, two cats, and a rabbit were living among their own waste, surrounded by a large accumulation of feces in a state of decomposition. This had led to an infestation of flies and insects, further aggravating the unsanitary conditions.
The animals showed clear signs of severe malnutrition, dehydration, and muscle weakness, which led authorities to proceed with their urgent removal. The priority was to ensure their health and well-being, so their transfer to a shelter managed by an animal protection association was coordinated, where they remain under veterinary supervision.
Coordination between security forces and local administration
The rescue operation involved officers from the Civil Guard of Puerto de la Cruz, the Local Police of Icod de los Vinos, and staff from the City Council, demonstrating an effective and rapid joint action in the face of an animal protection emergency.
During the intervention, officers noted multiple irregularities. None of the animals had veterinary certificates, and only two of them had identification microchips, constituting a violation of several current legal regulations:
- Law 8/1991, of April 30, on the protection of animals 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 ownership of potentially dangerous animals
Parallel to the rescue, SEPRONA, with the support of Citizen Security, located and identified the alleged responsible party on May 26. This person has been brought before the court at the Guardia Court of Icod de los Vinos, along with the proceedings initiated by the Civil Guard.
