A 78-year-old man is under investigation for alleged animal cruelty after his dog was found wandering the streets of Torrevieja with serious neck injuries caused by a spiked punishment collar.
The Guardia Civil launched an investigation after staff at a municipal animal shelter in Torrevieja reported the dog’s condition on 13 April. The animal had been found roaming in a public street and was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment.
Vets discovered the dog was wearing a spiked collar which had been left on for so long that it had become embedded in the skin around its neck. The collar had caused serious wounds, according to the veterinary report.
Such devices are banned under current animal welfare regulations.
Officers from SEPRONA, the Guardia Civil’s nature protection service in Guardamar del Segura, began inquiries after receiving the report and later identified the dog’s owner.
The 78-year-old man has now been formally investigated as the alleged perpetrator of an animal abuse offence.
The case has been referred to the Investigating Section of the Torrevieja Court.
The Guardia Civil has reminded the public of the importance of proper pet care and urged residents to report any behaviour that may cause animal suffering or abandonment.
