A woman under investigation in Alicante for the deaths of two Yorkshire Terriers, named Bimba and Max, who were thrown from an eighth-floor balcony, has reportedly adopted a new pet. The news that she now has a Maltese Bichon dog has sparked alarm among animal welfare associations involved in the legal case.
The suspect, identified as Concha, allegedly threw the animals from the eighth floor because she was “fed up with taking them for walks”. The incident occurred on 23th March 2025 at 1:00 pm on Calle Sol Naciente in Alicante, where two passers-by reported hearing strange noises before witnessing one dog, and moments later a second dog, fall from a window.
The adoption of the small white dog, which reportedly took place a year after the incident to help improve the woman’s mental health, prompted immediate legal action. Alejandra Baño, a lawyer from the firm Carlos Baño León Abogados representing the association SOS Ayuda Animal, explained that animal welfare groups requested an injunction to prohibit the suspect from owning, acquiring, or living with animals.
While the defence lawyer opposed the restriction, the submission formally acknowledged that the suspect does have a new pet in her possession. The Public Prosecutor backed the request made by the animal welfare groups, confirming there was sufficient evidence to support the precautionary measure.
However, a judge subsequently denied the injunction. The sole reasoning provided was that a year had passed since the incident without the suspect committing any further offences against animals. Animal welfare groups have appealed against this decision to the Provincial Court of Alicante, arguing that the ruling lacked motivation and that a clear risk remains.
Although Spanish law does not automatically prohibit pet ownership while an investigation is ongoing, provisional measures can be requested in cases of extreme severity. Legal representatives argue that preventive measures are logical and necessary to provide protection for animals, just as they would be provided for people.
A date for the trial has not yet been set as medical and psychological documentation is still being submitted by the defence, and a forensic medical report is pending. Even if convicted, the suspect may avoid prison time, as sentences under two years are typically suspended under the current legal system. However, any future offence against another animal would breach the suspension and result in imprisonment.
