San Cristobal de La Laguna, Spain - August 02, 2024

[Note: no sound]

In a distressing case of animal neglect, a 60-year-old woman from La Laguna municipality is under investigation for allegedly keeping over 30 dogs in appalling conditions at her residence. The incident, which unfolded over months of investigation by the Guardia Civil's Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA), has shocked the community.

Initially prompted by a request from San Cristobal de La Laguna's City Council in January, authorities discovered the dogs living in squalid conditions, infested with fleas, ticks, and suffering from diseases like mange. Despite repeated attempts by SEPRONA to persuade the woman to surrender the animals voluntarily, she refused, barricading herself inside her home.

After obtaining judicial authorization, a combined effort involving municipal authorities and SEPRONA led to the rescue of 26 animals on July 24, including 25 dogs and a cat. These animals were found severely malnourished and in urgent need of medical attention.

"The conditions these animals were found in were deplorable," stated Rhona Meikle, a spokesperson for the local authorities. "We're thankful for the collaboration between agencies that made this rescue possible."

The woman faces charges of disobedience, resisting authority, and continuous mistreatment and abandonment of domestic animals. She had previously been convicted and banned from owning animals, a restriction that was violated in this case.

The rescued animals have been transferred to the Valle Colino shelter for immediate care and rehabilitation. Local authorities have also initiated cleanup operations around the woman's residence to ensure sanitary conditions.