A campaign has been launched calling for tougher punishments for animal abusers in Spain following the shocking case of a dog found severely injured in Almeria.
The petition, created by a Spanish lawyer with more than 26 years of experience, argues that current penalties for serious animal cruelty are too lenient and often allow offenders to avoid prison altogether.
The campaign was inspired by the case of Cherry, an adorable podenco found covered in petrol and dumped down a well in Nijar little over two weeks ago.
In an update on Wednesday, animal rights group PACMA said Cherry had found a new home, as it shared a video of her looking healthier than ever.
The petition made in her name criticises how a person convicted of animal abuse causing serious injury faces a prison sentence of around 18 months, while even cases resulting in the death of an animal may lead to a sentence of just two years.
Under Spanish law, offenders with no previous criminal record often avoid serving time behind bars if their sentence is under two years.
The petition states: ‘Spain cannot continue allowing serious animal abuse cases to end with minimal sentences, symbolic fines or suspended prison terms that create a sense of total impunity.’
The campaign is demanding a reform of the Penal Code that would introduce mandatory prison sentences for the most serious cases of animal cruelty, require repeat offenders to serve jail time, impose lifetime bans on owning animals for those who torture or kill them, and increase penalties in cases involving extreme cruelty or the publication of abuse on social media.
The lawyer behind the petition argues that Cherry’s case should become a turning point in Spain’s approach to animal welfare.
‘Animals are not objects. They are living, sentient beings,’ the petition reads. ‘A modern society is also measured by how it protects those who cannot defend themselves.’
Campaigners say Cherry’s recovery is a rare positive outcome in a case that has otherwise highlighted what they see as serious shortcomings in Spain’s legal response to animal abuse.
The petition has gathered almost 20,000 signatures as pressure grows on lawmakers to consider tougher penalties.
