The City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, under the supervision of Carlos Tarife in the Animal Welfare division, has imposed a fine of £5,000 on a Santa Cruz resident for keeping four dogs in unsatisfactory physical and environmental conditions. The dogs were left tied up under the sun without any shelter for more than two hours, which surpasses the time limit allowed according to the Municipal Ordinance on the Protection and Ownership of Animals. This violation is considered extremely serious and can result in a fine ranging from £1,500 to £15,000.
The Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who neglect animals, stating that animals are living beings that deserve to be maintained in excellent hygienic and health conditions. He also affirmed that the City Council, through the Animal Welfare department, will continue to safeguard the health and well-being of all companion animals in the municipality.
The Councilor for Animal Welfare, Carlos Tarife, highlighted that “visual evidence demonstrates the unsanitary conditions at the location where the dogs were tied, exposed to the sun. It was evident that at least one of the dogs had an ear infection, clearly indicating the lack of veterinary care.”
Furthermore, Carlos Tarife pointed out that “the area where the animals were kept exhibited excrement and urine, failing to meet the necessary conditions to ensure the physical well-being of the animals.”
The Municipal Ordinance on the Protection and Ownership of Animals in Santa Cruz de Tenerife mandates that animal owners or guardians must maintain their animals in hygienic-sanitary conditions in accordance with their species’ needs. The ordinance also specifies that animals cannot be tethered in one place for more than two hours and must have clean, disinfected, well-ventilated, and sheltered spaces to avoid any suffering and to meet their physical and mental well-being requirements.
