The Bolivian justice system has jailed a Cuban citizen accused of biocide after he ran over and killed two dogs in the municipality of La Guardia, Santa Cruz, and then fled the scene.
The man, identified as Yulieski González Hernández, will spend 90 days in preventive detention at Palmasola prison for this incident, which occurred while he was driving a truck belonging to a passenger transport association, reported the local newspaper El Día.
González admitted during the hearing that he bent down for a moment to pick up his cellphone while driving and ran over the two dogs lying in the street.
The owner of the dogs filed a complaint with the authorities and claimed that the Cuban man threatened her to withdraw it. The case prosecutor, Yhamir Funnes, confirmed the judge's decision and explained that the measure is based on strong evidence presented by the Public Ministry.
"The judicial authority has determined the exceptional measure of preventive detention against this Cuban citizen who took the lives of two animals for a period of 90 days. He was charged with the crime of biocide," Funnes stated.
Security cameras that captured the incident clearly show how, despite the street being clear, the vehicle ran over the dogs lying near the sidewalk of a house.
"A fundamental piece of evidence was presented, which had no objections from the judicial authority. This piece of evidence is the footage from the security cameras belonging to the owner of these animals, where it is clearly seen how this Cuban citizen ran over these puppies," the prosecutor affirmed.
The owner of the dogs insisted that González sought her out to intimidate her and ask her to withdraw the complaint against him.
The Law 700 on "Defense of Animals Against Acts of Cruelty and Mistreatment" establishes penalties ranging from two to five years for biocide.
The collective taxi line where the accused worked informed that he was expelled due to this illegal act and apologized to the public for what happened.
Key Details About the Cuban Man Jailed in Bolivia
Below are some key questions and answers regarding the incident involving Yulieski González Hernández in Bolivia.
Why was Yulieski González Hernández jailed?
He was jailed for running over and killing two dogs and then fleeing the scene. He has been charged with biocide under Bolivian law.
How long will González remain in preventive detention?
González will be in preventive detention for 90 days at Palmasola prison.
What kind of evidence was presented against González?
Security camera footage showing the incident was presented as evidence, clearly depicting González running over the dogs.
What does Bolivian law say about biocide?
Under Law 700, biocide is punishable by two to five years in prison.