Urgent Rescue Operations for Dogs in Distress in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

A group of dogs has been trapped for over a week in an occupied property on Febles Campos Street in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, enduring harsh conditions without adequate food or water. The plight of these animals has sparked a significant response from local animal rights advocates who are determined to intervene.

The alarming situation was brought to public attention by Tahiche Pérez, a dedicated animal rights volunteer, who shared her findings on Instagram after visiting the site. The continuous barking of the dogs and the unpleasant odor emanating from the property have raised serious concerns about their well-being. The conditions they are facing are not only distressing but also indicative of neglect and potential abuse.

Volunteers’ Dedication to Animal Rescue

Tahiche and her fellow volunteers have shown remarkable commitment to the rescue efforts, spending countless hours at the location over the past two days. “I’ve gone two days without a shower; I left here at five in the morning yesterday,” she expressed, emphasizing the urgency and emotional toll of the situation. In addition to the dogs, Tahiche reported the presence of several birds within the house, which they suspect could be birds of prey based on their distinctive calls. Photographs taken from a nearby rooftop revealed a small birdcage and a larger cage in the courtyard, further raising alarms about the welfare of these animals.

The volunteers have been tirelessly working to provide whatever assistance they can, including attempting to deliver food and water to the trapped animals. Their efforts underscore a growing concern for animal welfare in the community and highlight the need for immediate action from local authorities.

Challenges Amidst Disappearance of Occupants

The situation has been complicated by the disappearance of the squatters who occupied the property. Local residents informed Tahiche that the house had been occupied for several months, despite having been vacant for decades prior. The police had previously intervened due to a loud dispute, but the identities of the squatters remain unknown, leaving the dogs in a precarious situation. After a week of confinement in various parts of the house, Tahiche and her team have maintained constant communication with local authorities, calling daily to seek assistance.

Currently, the dogs are surviving on minimal provisions, with only a few slices of ham and drops of water being passed through the gate. The lack of sufficient food and water has raised serious concerns about the dogs’ health and well-being, prompting the volunteers to escalate their efforts to secure a rescue.

Legal Actions and Community Support

Four police patrols have visited the site, with the most recent occurring on Thursday. However, Tahiche noted that the response has been frustratingly consistent: an urgent report is filed, but no substantial action follows. A significant development occurred when Carlos Tarife, the Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Public Services, reached out to the volunteers, indicating that a request for a search warrant would be submitted to the court on Friday. This news has provided a glimmer of hope for the dogs’ rescue, yet the volunteers remain cautious.

In light of the ongoing challenges, Tahiche’s group plans to stay vigilant, spending the night near the property to continue their efforts to feed the trapped animals. Their dedication reflects a broader commitment to animal welfare in the community, as local residents rally around the cause, offering support and encouragement to the volunteers.

Key points

• A group of four or five dogs has been trapped for over a week in a property in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
• The dogs are without sufficient food or water, leading to distressing conditions.
• Tahiche Pérez, an animal rights volunteer, has been actively involved in the rescue efforts.
• Volunteers have reported the presence of birds in the property, raising concerns about their welfare as well.
• The squatters have left the property, and the owners have not been heard from.
• Local authorities have been contacted multiple times, and a search warrant request is being filed.
• Volunteers are committed to staying near the property to continue feeding the trapped animals.