The little dog that arrived in Ibiza last December on a small boat from Algeria has been moved to Mallorca, where she remains in quarantine while the authorities decide her future. At present, no final decision has been made, and the case remains open due to its complex legal and health considerations.
Mariano Mas, Director General of Fundación Natura Parc, which runs the Centre for the Protection of Domestic Animals, confirmed the transfer to Periódico de Ibiza y Formentera on Tuesday. He explained that moving the dog to Mallorca, which took place on Monday, was considered from the start and is a positive step for her welfare.
Mas said the dog is in good health, receiving proper care, and under veterinary supervision, while established protocols for animals arriving from non-EU countries are being followed. The case is currently “awaiting the decision of Sanidad Exterior,” a central government body responsible for regulating the entry of animals from outside the European Union.
While the local council has authority over animals arriving in its area, Sanidad Exterior’s involvement is compulsory for irregular entries from third countries, requiring coordination between different authorities, Mas explained. Prior to the transfer, a preliminary report was drawn up outlining the options under current health regulations: returning the animal to her country of origin, euthanasia, or keeping her in quarantine until her paperwork and health status can be verified. However, Mas stressed that the report is not binding and does not determine the final outcome.
“No definitive decision has been made yet,” he said, emphasising that any action must be agreed upon by all parties involved. “Even if a report recommends a particular option, it isn’t automatic. Other factors, such as animal welfare legislation, also have to be taken into account,” he added, noting the complex regulations and administrative procedures that prevent an immediate resolution. One of the key challenges, he said, is the legal status of the people who arrived with the dog.
For the dog to be legally assigned to a guardian, she must be microchipped, registered at an address, and linked to a specific person—something that is “complicated” when dealing with migrants without documentation or a stable residence.