Overview
- Antonio Martín Mendoza, 81, was convicted for animal cruelty and given an eight‑month suspended sentence that a judge approved and left final.
- He must pay ARS 500,000 to Fundación Huellitas del Alma, provide three 20‑kg bags of puppy food, undergo psychological treatment, abstain from alcohol abuse, and maintain a fixed address.
- Prosecutors said the December 1 incident in the Iltico area of Concepción involved throwing four newborn puppies into a well, covering them with earth and large stones, and striking the mother dog with a stick.
- Neighbors alerted authorities and, with volunteers from Rescate Animal Aguilares and a representative of Fundación Huellitas del Alma, rescued the litter, with three of the four puppies surviving.
- The arrest occurred on Monday after police responded to the scene, and the abbreviated proceeding was presented by prosecutor’s office representative Juan José Ibáñez and concluded on Wednesday.