A MAN under the influence of alcohol and drugs has been arrested for kicking a cat to death in the middle of a Torrevieja street on Tuesday.
The feline was owned by his ex-wife, who shortly after the incident filed a complaint for domestic violence at the local Guardia Civil barracks.
Committing violence against a pet to to cause emotional damage to women is recognised in Spanish law as a form of gender abuse.
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The Informacion newspaper reported that residents gathered on Calle Jacarilla to remonstrate with the attacker, creating a tense situation.
Four Torrevieja Policia Local patrol cars went to the location to cool matters down.
Officers arrested the man for animal abuse and removed him from the scene amidst fears for his safety.
He was said to be in agitated state due to substance abuse.
Residents had phoned the police and told officers about a man throwing the cat against a wall, and then kicking it.
Torrevieja’s Security Councillor, Federico Alarcon, praised the intervention of the Policia Local and their subsequent inquiries.
Vets at the municipal animal shelter have prepared an official report on the injuries suffered by the cat and the cause of death.
The council’s Animal Protection department stated: “We express our sincere dismay and reaffirm our commitment to animal protection and the absolute rejection of any form of abuse.”
“We back the views of all animal rights groups in the face of this sad and despicable event.”
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