Police officer hugs lost dog on Mallorca motorway as Spain’s abandonment crisis continues

A police officer’s embrace of a frightened dog on a Mallorca motorway has touched thousands of people online, but the emotional photograph also brings attention to Spain’s continuing problem with abandoned and lost pets.

The incident happened on Sunday, October 11, when Palma Local Police officers rescued a large dog wandering loose on the Ma-19 motorway towards Llucmajor. Traffic had to be stopped temporarily while officers worked to catch the animal and prevent a collision.

Police rescue dog after drink-driver crash

Officers from Palma’s motorised unit and tourist service were dealing with a road accident near exit 12, close to Camí de Can Palmer, at around 8.30am when they received the alert about the dog.

A driver had crashed into a wall and was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, according to local newspaper Ultima Hora. While officers dealt with the incident, their colleagues went to find the dog, which was running around on the busy motorway.

Police temporarily closed a lane to allow the rescue to take place safely. Once the animal had been caught, officers discovered it had neither a lead nor any identification to help them contact its family. Rather than simply restraining the frightened animal, one officer stayed beside it, holding it gently and giving it comfort while arrangements were made for its collection.

Palma Local Police shared the photograph on social media with a message that captured the moment: “He didn’t know who that police officer was. But, for a while, he found a safe place in his arms. Because protecting others also means this.”

Officers appealed to the public to help find the dog’s owners. The animal was taken to police premises while the relevant animal service was contacted.

Nearly 170,000 dogs entered Spanish shelters in 2025

Behind the touching scene lies a much bigger problem. Spain’s latest figures from Fundación Affinity show that animal shelters took in 169,268 dogs during 2025, as well as 116,452 cats. That amounts to 285,720 dogs and cats in total, or approximately 783 animals arriving at shelters every day.

Although the overall figure was slightly lower than in 2024, the organisation warns that abandonment and lost animals continue to place heavy demands on shelters and rescue groups.

Not every animal arriving at a shelter has been deliberately abandoned. Some have escaped or become separated from their owners, which makes identification particularly important. The foundation’s previous study found that three out of four animals arriving at shelters in 2024 had no microchip, making it harder to reunite them with their families.

A microchip and a hug can make all the difference

For owners living in Spain, keeping a pet’s identification details up to date can make a real difference if an animal goes missing. A frightened dog can run a considerable distance, and a motorway is among the most dangerous places for it to end up. Unwanted litters, losing interest in a pet and moving house were among the reasons given for animals entering shelters in the foundation’s 2025 study, based on 2024 figures.

Rescue charities also rely on donations, foster carers and volunteers to look after animals while suitable homes are found. For the dog rescued in Palma, the immediate priority was finding its family. For everyone who saw the photograph, the officer’s simple act of kindness offered a reminder that protecting animals means more than getting them out of danger. Sometimes, it just means sitting down beside them and helping them feel safe.