Torrevieja Man Arrested After Beating Cat to Death in Street Attack — Case Linked to Gender-Based Violence

Multiple Neighbours Called Emergency Services After Witnessing Attack

Local police in Torrevieja arrested a man on Monday, April 27, 2026 after he beat a cat to death in a street attack witnessed by multiple residents. The incident took place on Calle Jacarilla, in the south of the city.

Officers dispatched four patrol cars after receiving multiple emergency calls from neighbours who had watched the man repeatedly attacking the animal. By the time police arrived, the cat had been killed. The suspect was described as highly agitated and believed to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of his arrest. He was first taken to a health centre before being transferred to the Guardia Civil station.

A large crowd had gathered in the street during the incident, and officers also intervened to prevent further escalation between the suspect and local residents.

Cat Belonged to Ex-Partner — Gender-Based Violence Report Filed

The cat that was killed belonged to the man's ex-partner. Shortly after the incident, the woman reported the man for gender-based violence. The case is now being treated on two separate tracks by Torrevieja City Council: as animal abuse and as gender-based violence.

Videos of the attack were filmed by bystanders and subsequently passed to the Guardia Civil as evidence. Animal protection services prepared a veterinary report detailing the injuries and cause of death.

Council Condemns "Despicable" Act

Torrevieja City Council's Department of Animal Protection issued a formal statement condemning the incident in strong terms:

"With these lines we express our sincere dismay and reaffirm our commitment to animal protection and our absolute rejection of any form of mistreatment."

"Likewise, we join all animal rights groups in the face of this sad and despicable event."

The department confirmed its full support for animal welfare organisations responding to the case and described the act as "despicable."

Animal rights groups across the Alicante province have used the incident to renew calls for stronger prevention measures and tougher enforcement of existing animal cruelty laws. The investigation remains ongoing.

This article is based on reporting from Alicante Today, published April 30, 2026.