This is the moment cops caught a man pretending to be a dog walker by using a toy on a leash to try and get round Spain's state of emergency quarantine decree.
Officers spotted the unnamed man while patrolling the city of Palencia, Spain, on Monday afternoon. They ordered the enterprising individual to get inside but decided not to fine him for breaking the quarantine laws.
Spain issued its state of emergency Saturday, permitting residents to only leave their homes for work or to go to the hospital. They are also allowed to go out to buy food and medicine. Any person that violates the government's decree is subject to a fine between 601 euros to 30,000 euros.
Dog owners can leave their houses as long as the dog walks are kept to a short distance, and they must clean after their pets' waste at all times.
Apparently the exception does not stretch to cover people walking stuffed animals.
'We ask for COMMON SENSE during #StateofEmergency because of #COVID19,' the police union Tweeted along with a video of the incident.
'We are facing a VERY SERIOUS situation by walking down the street trying to fool the @police ... DO NOT fool us and you will also [not] be punished. It is a matter of public health. #WeWillStopThisVirusTogether'
Health officials in Spain have documented 598 deaths related to the deadly virus, and confirmed 13,716 cases. So far, 1,081 patients have recovered.
The epidemic has killed 8,222 globally.
Residents have been told to stay at home and shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and movie theaters have been ordered to shut their doors. But pharmacies, grocery stores, supermarkets and gas stations remain open.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
