Retired Soccer Player Arrested for Dangling Pug From Balcony
A former professional soccer player in El Salvador faces animal abuse charges after allegedly dangling his pet pug by a leg from his fifth-floor apartment balcony, a neighbor's video revealed.
Héctor Rosales, 64, a retired professional soccer player and current dentist, was arrested on Wednesday in San Salvador, El Salvador, after being filmed holding his pug by its right hind leg over the edge of his apartment balcony. The incident was captured on video by a neighbor, who could be heard questioning Rosales' actions in the background.
The pug can be heard crying in the footage as Rosales appears to take a photograph of the animal before pulling it back inside his apartment. Authorities were alerted to the incident shortly after the video surfaced.
San Salvador Mayor Mario Durán stated on X that his office, in conjunction with the National Civil Police, responded to Rosales' apartment, where they rescued two dogs. "It is now safe and will receive the care it needs," Durán wrote. "We will not tolerate animal abuse in San Salvador Centro."
Rosales, who played for C.D. Águila in El Salvador's Primera División during the 1990s, faces a prison sentence of two to four years if convicted of animal abuse.
Social media users reacted to the incident with outrage, calling for authorities to ensure Rosales is never allowed to own animals again.