A woman has accepted a one-year prison sentence and a four-year ban on owning or working with animals following the death of a dog named Maikel in Torrevieja. The animal died after being left tied up on a rooftop terrace in the direct sun for several days during August 2022.
The case concluded with a sentencing agreement after all parties reached a settlement prior to the trial, which was scheduled to take place at the Criminal Section of the Court of First Instance in Orihuela. According to the indictment presented by the animal rights organisations Pacma and Faada, the woman kept the dog tied on a solarium-style terrace during the hottest hours of the day for several consecutive days. This treatment ultimately caused the dog to suffer a heatstroke, which led to organic haemorrhaging and his subsequent death.
Initially, the prosecution sought a sentence of 18 months in prison and a four-year disqualification from any profession or activity related to animals. However, after weeks of negotiations, a conformity agreement was reached. The woman accepted a one-year jail term and the four-year ban. The execution of the prison sentence will be suspended, as it does not exceed the two-year threshold typically required for incarceration for first-time offenders in Spain.
The involved animal welfare organisations stated that while they feel such judicial resolutions are still insufficient, they are fundamental in continuing the criminal prosecution of animal abuse. They also highlighted the vital importance of reporting any situation of abandonment or suffering to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
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