Shoppers were outraged after noticing a dog left inside a car at the Miramar commercial centre in Fuengirola this week.

Photos shared online showed a little pomeranian in the back seat of a small Mini Cooper with German plates.

The car was parked in the underground car park of the shopping mall.

According to witnesses, the dog was ‘very distressed’ and no windows had been left open for the pet.

The person who took the photos said: ‘I’m a worker at the Miramar and this little dog was a long time locked inside the car, it’s scared of the noises of the cars and does not stop barking… I’ve left a little gift for the owner.’

In another photo, it showed how two pieces of cardboard had been attached to the car with expletive-laden messages on them.

One read in English: ‘Don’t leave the f***ing dog in the car you f****** dirty w****.’, while another simply read ‘B***h’.

What does the law say?

Leaving a dog locked inside a car can be considered animal abuse if it causes suffering, risk or danger to its health. This is regulated by the Animal Welfare Law, in force since 2023.

The law clearly states that it is forbidden to leave an animal locked inside a closed vehicle and exposed to thermal or environmental conditions that could put its life or wellbeing at risk.

In other words, if the dog is alone, without ventilation, and at risk of heatstroke or hypothermia, the situation is considered a serious offence.

Security forces or animal protection services can act immediately if they detect danger. They are even authorised to break a car window to rescue the animal.

Many people think it’s safe in winter because ‘it’s not hot’, however, this is also a mistake.

In cold areas, temperatures inside a car can drop drastically, causing hypothermia, shivering or even loss of consciousness.

In addition, the emotional stress of being alone and confined can be just as harmful as extreme heat.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.