The Guardia Civil have arrested a 35-year-old man in Los Silos (Tenerife) after becoming aware of a post on a popular social media platform, showing a pregnant dog wounded by what appeared to be an arrow. The dog was found by a member of the public who took her to a vet, where unfortunately she died after an emergency caesarean section to save her puppies. Fortunately, seven out of the ten puppies were saved.
During the investigation, officers managed to determine that an attack on two dogs had been carried out with a weapon and arrows, and one of the arrows had penetrated the subsequently deceased animal, while the other, a male dog, was reportedly injured in one of its legs.
Guardia Civil officers successfully identified, located, and arrested a suspect of these "serious" criminal acts, and after getting the correct judicial authorization, searched the suspects home where they found a crossbow approximately 500 arrows and bolts, 10 archery bows, two laser pointers, three brass knuckle dusters, a 30-centimetre dagger, and various other related items.
The suspect, a resident of Los Silos, has been charged with five counts of animal cruelty. Four of these counts are for killing an animal, one is for injuring another, and there’s an additional charge of public order violation. He has been remanded in custody whilst the report along with the compiled evidence, has been brought before the Icod de los Vinos Investigative Court.
The Guardia Civil expressed gratitude for "great citizen collaboration" in clarifying the "serious criminal acts committed against the two animals." Thanks to the assistance and information provided by witnesses and neighbours, not only was the suspect apprehended, but the lives of seven puppies were also saved.
