Lorraine Williamson
A woman has been arrested in Alicante after throwing her two Yorkshire terriers from the eighth floor of her apartment block. The 53-year-old admitted to the act, reportedly telling police she no longer wanted to walk the dogs.
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon, 23 March, in the Florida neighbourhood of Alicante. Two passers-by witnessed the first dog fall and initially believed it was a toy. Seconds later, they saw the woman throw down a dog bed, collar, and lead—then the second dog followed.
Emergency services respond
Distressed witnesses called emergency services. Officers from the Policia Nacional and Local Police of Alicante arrived at the scene shortly after the 112 call. They found the dogs’ bodies and collected witness statements.
Police traced the animals to a flat nearby using microchip data. Inside, the woman reportedly admitted throwing both dogs from the balcony. “She said she was tired of walking them and didn’t want to take them out anymore,” police sources told local media. Her partner, who was present, confirmed her account.
Court appearance and legal concerns
The woman was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty. She appeared in court the following morning, Monday 24 March. The dogs’ bodies were transferred to the municipal animal shelter for examination.
According to current Spanish law, she is unlikely to face prison time.
Public outrage and political pressure
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed debate over Spain’s animal welfare legislation. The Spanish Animalist Party Against Mistreatment of Animals (PACMA) shared a strongly worded response on social media platform X, criticising the government’s failure to introduce tougher penalties.
“She killed her dogs by throwing them out the window! This is what @sanchezcastejon and Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Parliamentary Relations allow under the current Penal Code. This woman won’t go to jail. She murdered her two dogs because she was tired of walking them and will continue living freely as if nothing happened. 🚔 Increase prison sentences now!” PACMA posted.
Campaigners are calling for immediate reform of the penal code to ensure prison terms are mandatory in proven cases of animal cruelty.
The investigation into the case remains open.
Also read: Spain to introduce central pet identification system