A former professional footballer has been arrested after a neighbour filmed him allegedly dangling his crying pet pug by one hind leg over a fifth-floor balcony in San Salvador, El Salvador. The footage, captured on Wednesday (October 21) at Condominio Torre del Sol on Calle El Mirador, shows Héctor Alejandro Rosales Bonilla, 64, holding the dog by its right hind leg outside his flat.
Incident Caught on Video
As the pug cries out, Rosales appears to take a photo of the animal while it hangs over the drop, before pulling it back over the rail and inside the apartment. A male neighbour is heard saying in the background: "Why is he doing that," and "And he was recording. How weird."
The video quickly went viral, prompting a swift response from authorities, the New York Post reported.
Authorities Respond
San Salvador Mayor Mario Durán said municipal staff and the National Civil Police (PNC) intervened at the apartment. Two dogs were rescued from the home and placed into protective custody, where they will receive veterinary care.
"It is now safe and will receive the care it needs," Durán wrote. "Thank you for reporting this. We will not tolerate animal abuse in San Salvador Centro."
Arrest and Legal Consequences
Police arrested Rosales and referred him to the relevant authorities to face animal cruelty proceedings. Under El Salvador's animal welfare laws, he could face between two and four years in prison if convicted.
Rosales is reported to have played for C.D. Águila in El Salvador's Primera División during the 1990s. In more recent years, he has worked as a dentist.
Public Outrage
The incident triggered an outpouring of anger and heartbreak on social media, with many demanding he be banned from owning animals in the future. "They should never let him have any kind of animal," one X (formerly known as Twitter) user wrote. "He doesn't deserve the affection of any pet!" Another added: "I felt so sorry for that little dog."
Authorities have not yet confirmed what will happen to the rescued dogs long-term as the investigation continues.
