A dog died on Monday at noon in Girona after suffering for days in extreme heat. The animal had been housed on a shaded-free terrace, tethered with a rope, and appeared to have endured prolonged exposure to the heat before it jumped, according to Diari de Girona, part of the Prensa Ibérica group. The incident occurred at 3 Riu Freser Street. Nearby residents reported a dog, six months old, and a husky mix along with other breeds, that died while tied to a rope on the terrace.
Police referred the case to the courts to determine whether the incident was animal abuse
Several neighbors heard the dog crying and screaming for days. At one point, a call was made to report that the animal was unattended. Because the property was private, no one could enter to check on the dog, which complicated immediate aid.
The dog’s owner was believed to be away on vacation, according to residents. Municipal police who arrived at the scene said they had asked an acquaintance to look after the animal. The dog was left tied to the terrace rail to prevent possible jumping. The acquaintance took the dog for walks three times a day and provided food and water, but ultimately the dog remained tied on the balcony after the owner departed.
Case records describe a balcony with no shade and a ceramic floor, a setting that, alongside temperatures nearby 40°C for several hours in Girona, would create a lethal combination for a small dog. The municipal police filed a case and forwarded all collected data to the court to determine if a crime of animal abuse occurred.
Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, Terrassa police managed to rescue another dog left alone on a balcony for three days without water or food. Neighbors reported the animal was visibly distressed and attempted to jump from the balcony as authorities intervened. The incidents underscore the critical risk heat poses to pets and the legal scrutiny that follows when animal welfare may be at stake.
Authorities emphasize that dogs and other pets suffer in heat when left in unshaded spaces or tied on unsecured perches. Proper shade, ventilation, and regular access to water are essential, especially during peak heat hours. In both Girona and Terrassa, officials have urged property owners and guardians to check on animals frequently, remove ties when safe, and provide humane shelter that protects them from sun, heat, and dehydration. The legal system is actively evaluating whether these cases constitute neglect or abuse, with courts weighing the responsibilities of guardians against the wellbeing of the animals. The outcome will likely influence how similar situations are handled in the future and may shape local policy on pet welfare and on-property care requirements for tenants and homeowners alike. In the aftermath, community members are encouraged to learn from these events by ensuring pets always have access to shade, shelter, and water, and by reporting concerns promptly to authorities. Source notes: Diari de Girona and Terrassa Police statements.