Concerns have been raised in Tenerife after a dog was left inside a parked car for more than an hour outside a shopping centre, sparking anger among witnesses and animal welfare advocates.
The incident happened in La Laguna, where bystanders spotted the dog inside the vehicle with only a slightly open window for air. Several passersby contacted the emergency services and confronted the pet’s owner when she returned to the car.
Although no police attended the scene, reportedly due to a lack of available patrols, the incident has drawn attention to Spain’s new Animal Welfare Law, which strictly prohibits leaving pets in vehicles under conditions that could put their lives at risk.
Under the law, which came into effect last year, such actions are considered serious offences, carrying fines of between €500 and €50,000. However, in cases where an animal suffers serious harm or dies, penalties can rise to €200,000, along with bans on pet ownership.
Animal rights groups say the case highlights the need for greater public awareness and enforcement to prevent potentially life-threatening situations.
No injuries were reported, and the situation did not escalate further after the owner returned.
