Controversy and outrage after dog shot dead by police officer

The animalist movement is outraged after a recent incident in Barcelona involving a dog shot dead by an officer of the local police, Guàrdia Urbana.

The events have prompted a 3,500-strong demonstration and even the Catalan capital's mayor promising an investigation to "clarify" what happened.

On Wednesday an animalist NGO, Nova Eucària, announced that they would file a lawsuit before the prosecutor for the death of the dog Sota, shot dead on Monday by an officer.

Barcelona police version

According to Barcelona's local police, the dog was untied and the officers told its owner, a homeless man, to tie it.

During this discussion, the dog allegedly bit one of the officers on their arm and they shot the pet dead.

Thousands demonstrate for dog Sota

For Nova Eucària, the local police did not comply with Catalonia's animal protection law, which according to the NGO, affects not only animals, but also "the citizens who denounce mistreats."

The controversy went on during the week, as well as the outrage, and on Saturday evening some 3,500 people rallied to demand "justice" and an investigation for the dog's death.

The organization Sos Animals Maresme hosted the demonstration, as well as the animalist party PACMA.

"Ada Colau [the mayor of Barcelona] has made Barcelona a hell for animals," said sources of PACMA.

Barcelona mayor: events were "horrible"

In fact on Sunday, Colau published a Facebook post in which she described the events as "horrible."

She also vowed to do her best "to clarify what happened" through an investigation which is already open.

Moreover Ada Colau also called all the witnesses of the event occurred to contact the local administration, and added that once evidences are gathered, she will "take action" if needed.