In the outskirts of Arganda del Rey, Civil Guard officers came across a shocking scene: a 68-year-old woman was living in a small building resembling more a shed, in the company of 52 dogs. The place was filled with waste, and six dead animals were found in garbage bags at the back.
The woman at the center of this story claims she became a victim of circumstance. According to her, her husband—who died shortly before the incident—kept her isolated with the animals for four years. During this time, she barely left the property, had no access to medical care, and lived without basic amenities—no electricity, no running water.
Life in isolation and fear
Neighbors rarely saw the woman who owned the property. If they did hear anything, it was shouts and banging on metal when she tried to quiet the barking dogs. Locals say the man was withdrawn and only appeared when heading to work. There were old cars on the grounds, and the house itself was in a neglected state. Five years ago, this couple had already come to the attention of police for animal cruelty, but at that time, they received only a warning.
Inside the dwelling, conditions were unsanitary: ruined furniture, broken appliances, and belongings long devoid of any value. The woman slept on a wooden pallet, with an old radio as her only source of information. Her health had seriously deteriorated—she developed gangrene on her leg, but did not seek medical help.
Hoarding syndrome and the tragedy of the animals
Rescuers point out that such incidents are more common than people think. Those suffering from animal hoarding syndrome genuinely believe they are caring for their pets, but in reality, they cause them suffering. In this case, the dogs were emaciated, and many suffered from skin diseases and injuries sustained in fights for survival in cramped conditions.
After authorities intervened, the animals were taken to shelters, where they are now receiving the help they need. The story sparked a wide public response, once again highlighting the problem of irresponsible pet ownership and the importance of timely action in such cases.
