The case of a sexually abused dog in Spain could change EU law to protect domestic animals

AFTER the horrific story about Pincho, the sexually abused dog, went viral via Facebook, animal lovers all over the world have taken action to try to change animal welfare laws in the EU.
A petition is currently running to achieve more rigorous animal welfare laws across the EU by amending the 1998 Animal welfare directive, 98/58/CE, to include domestic pets.
The petition started shortly after Pincho’s story went viral in May of this year in Spain.
Pincho’s new owner, Yvonne West, launched a campaign to try to cover the dog’s vet bills as he needed three operations.
The response was monumental, receiving over 15.000 dollars.
Pincho was used as a sexual slave for over five years by his owner’s brother in Spain.
The owner’s brother had reportedly abused the dog over the course of five years when he would visit his brother’s home at the weekends.
The dog still suffers with chronic injuries due to the sexual abuse he endured since he was a puppy.
When Pincho was rescued, he suffered with hip and knee problems resulting in an extreme difficulty to walk.
The dog also had to wear nappies after being taken in.
The ‘Rescue Group for Spanish Animals” (RGSA), who fight for animal rights in Spain, helped Pincho find a new home in the United Kingdom with Yvonne.
Pincho’s new owner had stated that the dog experienced nightmares after arriving to her home.
According to the ‘RGSA’, the abuser did not get charged for his actions due to lack of evidence, despite the police having received numerous complaints from neighbours.
Unfortunately, this kind of abuse is not limited to Spain.
The current domestic animal welfare law in the EU does not protect animals that suffer this kind of abuse.
The petition aims to achieve a change in the current EU law to protect pets as well as farmed animals.