Local Police in Torrevieja have arresrted a man who beat a cat to death on the street. The animal belonged to his ex. The woman went to a police station and there are proceedings for alleged animal abuse in addition to a charge of gender-based violence.
The incident occurred on Calle Jacarilla, south of the town centre of Torrevieja. Police were called by neighbours who saw the man slam the animal against a wall and continue kicking it. Four patrol cars responded to the scene and, after confirming the animal was dead, detained and handcuffed the man, who was extremely upset and under the effects of drink and drugs. They first took him to the health clinic and then to the Guardia Civil station.
Neighbours
The local police also intervened to ensure the safety of the arrested man, as a significant number of residents had gathered in the street, creating a tense scenario in which they confronted the suspected attacker about the incident they had just observed. The local police sent the Guardia Civil footage of part of the attack on the animal. Soon thereafter, his ex-wife filed a gender-based abuse case.
The use of dogs to emotionally injure women is legally recognised as a type of instrumental abuse, called vicarious violence. Imprisonment is the punishment for damaging or killing animals as a control method and as a manifestation of gender-based violence. The Security Councillor, Federico Alarcón, congratulated the Local Police for their action, the arrest and the subsequent inquiry.
Protecting animals
The veterinary services at the animal shelter have issued a report on the cat’s injuries and cause of death.
The Torrevieja City Council, through its Department of Animal Protection, has condemned and “absolutely” rejected the actions that have led to the death of a cat battered to death in the street. The perpetrator was apprehended by the Civil Guard and has been charged by the Local Police with animal abuse. “We want to convey our real indignation with these words and reiterate our commitment to animal protection and our utter rejection of any mistreatment. Led by Councillor Concha Sala, the department’s social media accounts said: “We also stand with all animal rights groups in the face of this sad and despicable event.
The plenary session voted in favour of joining the VIOPET programme on the same day
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The normal plenary session, which took place on Monday, April 27th, overwhelmingly approved a proposal from the Sueña Torrevieja party for the municipality to join the Viopet programme, which seeks to safeguard victims of gender abuse and their pets . The idea that had been in the works for weeks was supported by all parties after a terrible incidence of animal violence in which a guy beat his ex-partner’s cat to death in the street.
The initiative seeks to respond to a critical societal reality: Gender-based violence is not only experienced by people but also affects the well-being of the animals that share life with the victims. It is often the case that abusers use animals to control or threaten, thereby making women more vulnerable.
“Animal cruelty is one of the cruellest types of coercion in gender-based assault cases. The Viopet initiative is not only about protecting animals, but also about allowing victims to leave abuse without the dread of leaving behind their most vulnerable loved ones,” said Pablo Samper, spokesperson for Sueña Torrevieja.
The Viopet programme is implemented nationally by the General Directorate of Animal Rights and the Observatory of Violence against Animals, and aims to support victims of gender violence by protecting their animals, so that they can be hosted in specialised shelters while the victims receive the necessary care.
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