A case of suspected animal cruelty has shocked residents in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote, after a cat was severely burned with what appears to have been boiling liquid.
The incident occurred on 25th June in a residential complex which now largely let out to holidaymakers…
According to one local resident, the cat is part of a small colony that has lived peacefully in the area for over a decade. “There used to be more, but now only four remain. They’re all sterilised, friendly, and well cared for by both neighbours and visiting tourists,” they explained.
It’s believed that a property owner or tenant may have deliberately attacked the animal in an attempt to scare it away, due to objections to the presence of the cats in the complex. “Someone took matters into their own hands and threw something very hot at the cat, likely to drive it away,” the resident added.
After discovering the cat in distress and badly injured, another neighbour rushed it to a local veterinary clinic. The animal received urgent medical care, including surgery, and is now recovering. The resident who brought the cat in has covered the veterinary bill, which is expected to total around €1,000.
“These cats are domestic in nature, gentle and affectionate. They may not have a home in the traditional sense, but they are cared for and loved by the community. It’s devastating that such cruelty could be shown to such innocent animals,” the resident said.
The community of property owners has since been made aware of the incident and is said to be taking the matter seriously. Legal action is expected to follow. “This isn’t just shocking behaviour, it’s a crime. It falls under Spain’s penal code as an offence of animal abuse, and the person responsible must be held accountable for such a heartless act,” the resident added.
