A man has been arrested in Adeje, south Tenerife, on suspicion of burning a dog alive, in a disturbing case that has also exposed wider concerns about animal cruelty in the area, according to an official press release from Adeje Town Hall.
The arrest was made by the Local Police following an incident in the ‘shanty town’ area of El Puertito de Adeje during the early hours of yesterday morning, Thursday 8th October.
The suspect is being investigated for an alleged animal cruelty offence involving torture and death, while the Guardia Civil has taken over the investigation.
The dog's remains have been sent for a specialist post-mortem examination to establish the precise cause of death and determine the circumstances surrounding the suspected abuse.
Police called to suspicious fire
The incident came to light at approximately 3:30am on Thursday, when a member of the public contacted the Canary Islands emergency services on 112 to report a fire in suspicious circumstances.
A patrol from Adeje Local Police attended the location and discovered a small structure built from concrete blocks, with a fire burning some distance away.
Officers identified and questioned two people at the scene, a man and a woman, both Spanish nationals living in Adeje.
Following their initial enquiries, officers arrested the man on suspicion of responsibility for the dog's death.
He was taken to police headquarters before the Guardia Civil assumed responsibility for the investigation.
The case has also been referred to the duty court.
The settlement of caravans and shacks in Puertito de Adeje where the incident took place. (Image: Europa Press).
Six other dogs rescued from suspected abuse
The investigation has revealed that police and animal welfare officers have been monitoring the same area for more than a month following reports of suspected animal abandonment and mistreatment.
During their enquiries, officers discovered several animals living in concerning circumstances, including dogs, cats and a black Canarian pig.
According to Adeje Council, six dogs showing clear signs of mistreatment have already been rescued and transferred to the municipality's Animal Reception Centre.
The animals have received veterinary treatment and are being cared for while they recover.
Municipal animal welfare teams have also been working to assist several uncontrolled cat colonies in the area.
However, the council says these operations have been complicated by hostility from some people living at the location, making it difficult for animal welfare professionals to carry out their work safely.
Investigation linked to illegal settlement
The wider investigation began while police were carrying out procedures to notify people living in the area that they would have to leave.
According to the council, the individuals concerned were occupying the location without authorisation and in conditions considered unsuitable for habitation.
During these operations, officers identified evidence suggesting that several animals may have been abandoned or subjected to mistreatment.
Police and the council's Animal Welfare Department subsequently began monitoring the area more closely.
Although several animals have now been rescued, investigators have not yet established who was responsible for all the suspected incidents of abuse.
The Guardia Civil is continuing its investigation into the dog's death.
The arrested man remains a suspect, and the allegations have not yet been proven in court.
