A shocking case of alleged animal cruelty is currently causing outrage on social media. In the town of Llano de Brujas, a district belonging to the city of Murcia, a mother dog and her puppy were rescued from an irrigation ditch (“acequia”). According to the rescuers, the animals had been abandoned – apparently with a brick attached to them, intended to prevent their escape.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The dramatic scenes were captured on video and spread across various social networks within a very short time. In particular, footage of the rescue sparked numerous reactions and led to a wave of outrage among animal lovers.
A chance discovery prevents a worse outcome
The rescue operation appears to have come about only by a stroke of luck. Alejandro López and his wife discovered the animals in an irrigation canal in Llano de Brujas and immediately realised that the mother dog and her puppy were in a life-threatening situation.
According to the footage, the dogs were in a water-filled acequia, as are commonly found throughout the Huerta of Murcia. The area surrounding Llano de Brujas is crossed by a historic network of such irrigation channels, which are partially open and have been used for centuries for agricultural purposes.
While many passers-by might have walked past, the couple acted immediately. Together, they managed to reach the animals and remove the fastening. The dogs were then rescued from the water.
Brick was apparently intended to prevent rescue
A particularly shocking detail of the incident is that, according to those involved, a brick had been tied to the animals. This could have prevented the dogs from reaching the riverbank or escaping on their own.
Whether the weight was intended to prevent the animals from escaping or even to cause their death has not yet been officially confirmed. However, the images suggest that without the intervention of the rescuers, the dogs would likely have had little chance of survival.
In particular, the puppy would likely not have been able to withstand the harsh conditions in the canal for long.
Video goes viral
The rescue footage was subsequently published by animal rights activist Manuel García and widely shared. Spanish media outlets and social media channels also picked up the case. Millions of users reacted to the images with shock and anger.
In the comments, numerous people are calling for a thorough investigation of the incident and harsh penalties for those responsible.
At the same time, many users praised the courage and quick action of the rescuers, who did not hesitate to help the animals.
@instarescates📍LLANO DE BRUJAS, MURCIA ¡BUSCAMOS AL RESPONSABLE!⚠️ Una pareja encuentra a una perrita dentro de una acequia con un ladrillo atado a su cuerpo. Por suerte el nivel del agua no era más alto que ella y se pudo salvar. Al parecer, alguien la tiró a ella y a su cachorro, que estaba a escasos metros, en un arbusto de un saliente, también empapado. Como si él hubiese podido salir por su cuenta, ya que no tenía nada atado. Mil gracias a Alejandro y su mujer, por sacarlos y cuidar de ellos hasta el momento. Buscamos acogida o un refugio donde ambos puedan seguir juntos hasta encontrar un hogar 🙏🏼
Animal abandonment remains a major problem in Spain.
The case in Murcia once again highlights the ongoing problem of abandoned pets in Spain. Animal welfare organisations have been reporting for years that thousands of dogs and cats are surrendered or abandoned every year.
Rural and remote areas in particular are repeatedly the scene of such cases. Increasingly, mobile phone footage and social networks are making animal cruelty public, putting pressure on the authorities to launch investigations.
Hope for a new life
Despite the horrific circumstances, this story at least ends, for now, with a glimmer of hope. Thanks to the swift intervention of Alejandro López and his wife, the mother dog and her puppy were rescued alive.
The images of their rescue clearly demonstrate how important civic courage can be. While the search for those responsible may still be ongoing, the two dogs now at least have a chance at a safe and better life.
The incident took place in Llano de Brujas, a district of Murcia known for its extensive network of traditional irrigation channels.
