The two hunters hanged the dog and then threw his body away because they considered him “not effective enough for hunting”.
According to witnesses who called the police, the hunters watched him die in agony while drinking beer and laughing.
Aggravating circumstances
The animal rights party Pacma and a dozen animal welfare charities joined the legal case to defend Acollarado and ensure the culprits were brought to justice. They had requested an 18-month custodial sentence and a four-year ban on hunting. On Tuesday 26 May 2026, the court delivered its verdict, resulting in a conviction.
The case concluded with a judgment that recognised the aggravating circumstance of cruelty, in accordance with the former Article 337 of the Spanish Penal Code. The aggravating factors included death by asphyxiation and the discovery of the animal's lifeless body in a ravine.
A 12-month prison sentence
The two hunters accused of killing Acollarado accepted a sentence of 12 months and one day in prison each, following a plea deal with the public prosecutor's office.
As they have no prior criminal record, the hunters will not serve time in prison. However, they will be banned from hunting and from owning any animal for four years.