Man Arrested in Tenerife After 49 Dogs Found in Severe Neglect at Granadilla Property

The Civil Guard recently intervened in Granadilla de Abona, highlighting the ongoing issue of illegal animal ownership in rural areas. Authorities are working to combat this through coordinated surveillance between Seprona and local hunting wardens. The case, which resulted in a man’s arrest for alleged animal abuse, exposes significant gaps in how hunting dogs are monitored across the islands.

During an inspection of the property, officials found 49 dogs. Most lacked the required documentation; only 19 had microchips and health records. The remaining 30 were unregistered, making it impossible to ensure they received proper veterinary care or welfare checks. A veterinarian’s report, which is now central to the judicial investigation, confirmed that several dogs were suffering from severe malnutrition due to prolonged food deprivation.

The conditions on the property were dire. Beyond the lack of hygiene and proper shelter, investigators discovered training equipment inside an old water tank and charred skeletal remains in a nearby cavity. These findings, now part of the official report, suggest that the animals were kept in conditions that fall far below legal welfare standards.

This incident comes as Spain’s Penal Code becomes increasingly strict regarding animal protection. Recent legal reforms are designed to give law enforcement more power to treat severe neglect or exploitation as criminal acts rather than simple administrative violations. The successful intervention was made possible by the collaboration between the Playa de Las Américas Civil Guard and Tenerife’s rural guards, who uncovered a situation that evidence suggests had been ongoing for some time.