Law enforcement officers from the Guardia Civil, specifically the Protection of Nature Detachment of the Caldera de Taburiente (Deprona), have opened proceedings to investigate a 73-year-old woman living in Garafía for a suspected crime related to the protection of domestic animals with fatal results. The case centers on allegations that the woman assaulted her dog, leading to the animal’s death. The investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances and to establish whether the actions taken amount to a prosecutable offense under current animal protection laws.
According to the allegations under review, the suspect allegedly sought to dispose of the dog by causing it extensive injuries, which ultimately resulted in the animal’s death. The dog’s body was discovered inside a bag tied with a cord, located on the slope of a ravine near the residence. After the body was recovered, it was transported to a veterinary center where a necropsy was performed. The medical examination revealed multiple injuries consistent with the reported cause of death, aligning with the crimes outlined in animal protection statutes.
The investigative efforts have been handed over to the Guardia Civil’s Instructing Court in Los Llanos de Aridane. Under the framework of applicable penal provisions, any person who causes the death of a domestic animal or an animal kept in captivity is subject to penalties, which may include a prison term and an additional period of ineligibility from practicing professions or activities connected with animals. The case illustrates the enforcement process around offenses affecting domestic animals and highlights the legal protections afforded to companion animals under national law.
As the proceedings continue, authorities emphasize the importance of upholding animal welfare standards and ensuring that those who mistreat or abandon animals face appropriate legal consequences. The legal response to animal cruelty combines investigative work, veterinary analysis, and judicial oversight to establish accountability while safeguarding the welfare of animals and the communities in which they live.