A man from Granadilla de Abona has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after police discovered 49 dogs living in what they described as severe neglect on a rural property in south Tenerife.

The investigation began after wardens alerted the Guardia Civil's environmental protection unit, SEPRONA, to concerns about a large number of dogs being kept in unsuitable conditions on the site.

During an inspection, officers found 49 hunting dogs spread across three areas of the property. The animals were being kept in poor hygienic conditions, with large amounts of animal waste, inadequate shelter and only 19 of the dogs properly identified with microchips and health records.

A veterinary examination found that several of the dogs were in poor physical condition, with some showing signs consistent with severe malnutrition. The vet concluded that the animals had either been receiving insufficient food over a prolonged period or had unequal access to it.

Officers also searched the rest of the property and discovered an old water tank believed to have been used for training hunting dogs. They also found several mounds of animal remains and a cavity containing a large quantity of burnt animal bones.

The dog's owner was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and has been handed over to the relevant judicial authorities while the investigation continues.