A woman spent last Wednesday night in police custody after being accused of attempting to strangle a person near Illetes coast (Formentera). Witnesses reported that several onlookers appeared intoxicated during the incident, which unfolded at a time when bar and beachside activities were winding down.
Amid the chaos, a small dog named Laika became a silent focal point. The dog’s owner works long hours at a hostel, making it difficult to spend as much time with the companion as wished. A friend, currently on sick leave and home most of the day, offered to look after Laika, with plans to take the dog out for daily walks when possible.
On the day in question, the owner was at a rehabilitation center, and his partner took responsibility for walking the dog. Several witnesses later described seeing the woman begin striking the dog for reasons that were not clear at the moment. The blows were said to be severe enough to draw attention from bystanders, who remained concerned for the animal’s welfare.
Afterwards, the woman and the dog moved to a forest area near Illetes Beach. The woman, still visibly agitated, picked up the dog and brought it to the water. She attempted to submerge the dog underwater, an act observed by swimmers who intervened promptly. Local authorities arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was noticed, with Calvià Local Police taking charge of the situation.
Police officers spoke with witnesses and confirmed the reports of animal abuse they had gathered at the scene. The woman still appeared intoxicated as she was questioned, and she could not provide a coherent explanation for her actions toward the dog. She was subsequently handed over to the Civil Guard for further investigation on animal-cruelty charges, with officials documenting the apparent risk the dog had faced during the confrontation.
In the following proceedings, officers gathered details about the dog’s status and identified the owner of Laika. They informed the woman of the assault’s consequences and the steps being taken. The dog’s owner expressed readiness to pursue full legal accountability for the incident, underscoring that the animal remained physically healthy after the episode. Although Laika initially seemed frightened, the dog’s spirits lifted once reconnected with its owner. The owner noted that the friend, who had offered to help, felt a deep sense of remorse for the distress caused to Laika and the broader community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities animals face when left in unstable or unsafe environments and reinforces the importance of swift response from responders in protecting animal welfare.
Authorities emphasized their commitment to safeguarding pets and ensuring that any person responsible for harm to animals will hear a rigorous legal process. Community members offered support for the dog’s owner, and local service providers began evaluating suitable care options to prevent a recurrence of such distressing behavior. This case illustrates how responders coordinate to assess danger, provide protection, and hold offenders accountable while prioritizing the welfare of animals and the safety of nearby residents. (Source: Calvià Local Police, and local civil-guard authorities.)