Death of the dog called ‘Blas’. Comment on the Judgment Nr. 72/2016, 30th March 2016, of the Criminal Court Nr. 3 of Santander

Abstract

This judgment convicts a man for having kicked a dog and causing its death, to eight months in prison and two years of disqualification for any professional practice related to animals, as well as to the payment of damages and all legal costs. The judge, who admits the replacement of imprisonment for works for the benefit of the community, describes the facts as ‘particularly objectionables to the general feeling of and advanced society and public opinion, aware of excluding legal consideration of animals as mere objects or property’.