Police in Gran Canaria continue to hunt the person who dumped an infirm dog in an underground rubbish bin, leaving him to die.
The dog, called Patuco, was rescued by passers-by in Vecindario after whimpering sounds were heard coming from the bin, which is embedded in the ground. Police were called initially but apparently left the scene after officers could not confirm the reports of a dog inside.
However, one local woman took it on herself to investigate more closely, staying near the bin until she heard the cries again.
A local binman happened to be passing also and he contacted his colleagues, who dispatched a lorry to the scene with the keys required to open the metallic door of the container.
A 19-year-old girl had no hesitation in climbing inside to pull the many bags of rubbish off to reach down to the small dog and pull him clear before handing him up to those who had gathered above ground to help.
“I will never forget his eyes as he looked at me and I was just praying that he would not die in my arms as I was pulling him out” said the girl, visibly affected by the plight of the animal.
The unchipped dog, thought to be around 15 years old and suffering from multiple ailments including cataracts and a tumour, was taken to an animal shelter initially but then transferred to a vet for treatment due to his condition.
News of the dramatic rescue has prompted a flurry of offers to adopt Patuco as well as widespread outrage in Gran Canaria, with calls for the owner to be found and prosecuted for cruelty.
Photographs of the little dog, who is still recovering from his ordeal, have been published in local media in the hope that someone will come forward and help identify the heartless owner.
