Police in San Salvador have arrested a 64-year-old former professional footballer accused of suspending a dog by its back legs from his balcony. The incident was filmed and shared online, showing Hector Alejandro Rosales Bonilla holding a small dog over the open drop at an apartment in the capital, San Salvador, on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. In the video, the man appears to use one hand to hold the dog by its back legs while aiming a phone toward it with the other. The carlin struggles and makes noises as its head points downward. A voice can be heard in the background. After a few seconds, Rosales Bonilla brings the dog back inside his home. The viral footage prompted authorities to move quickly. Police went to the man’s address, recovered the carlin, and also seized an additional dog. Officials published photos showing the ex-footballer being taken into custody with his hands behind his back. He is being pursued for alleged animal cruelty. A police statement said they would not tolerate this type of action. If convicted for animal cruelty, he faces up to four years in prison. As of now, he is arrested and expected to answer the charges in court.