Police Seal Abandoned Santa Cruz Building Following Animal Cruelty and Safety Concerns

Life in the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has been severely disrupted by a property on Calle Febles Campos that has become a source of legal and health concerns. According to Diario de Avisos, the building has been abandoned since the death of its owners, leading to repeated illegal occupations and its use as an unsanitary animal breeding site.

In a recent joint operation, the National and Local Police sealed off the property at number 28 and rescued two puppies—a pit bull and a Belgian Malinois—that were suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition. This is not the first time authorities have intervened; last September, they removed five dogs and two birds of prey from the same address. Despite previous efforts to secure the site, the occupant has repeatedly managed to regain access.

Beyond the issue of animal welfare, the case has exposed significant failures in urban management and public safety. Neighbors have repeatedly complained to the Department of Urban Planning and the First Deputy Mayor’s Office, warning that the century-old building is structurally unsound and poorly maintained. Residents fear the property could collapse or catch fire, especially since there are reports of electricity being used in a dilapidated space that is unfit for habitation.

The failure to keep the property permanently sealed has left neighbors feeling helpless, as they believe current administrative measures are not enough to stop the ongoing issues. With the building remaining uncontrolled and posing clear health risks to the city center, there is growing pressure on local authorities to move beyond sporadic police raids and find a long-term solution that ensures the safety and well-being of the community.