Toledo man arrested for animal cruelty charges and 'burning a dog as part of a ritual' – CSN News

Guardia Civil saved 17 dogs in Quintanar (Toledo) from terrible hygienic, sanitary and living conditions. The owner of the dogs has been charged with animal abuse.

The investigation started after the Local Police Force in this Spanish city of 12,000 people saw him with a dog that had suffered serious burn wounds to its head. According to the owner, the injuries were caused as part a ritual.

Officers went to the plot where the man was living with many dogs, of different breeds. They were kept in horrible hygienic conditions and were some permanently tied with ropes. A court in Quintanar De La Orden ordered that all dogs be removed as a precaution and the owner disqualified for owning any type of animal.

The dogs were collected from various animal welfare associations. They include three adult males, 2 adult females and five puppies around two months old, as well as seven unweaned pups. Many of the dogs have suffered severe injuries because of the mistreatment they received.

In different areas of the enclosure were also found skulls of animals and small skeletons that were in a state of advanced decomposition. However, at this time, it is not possible to identify the species of animal.