Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
After the shocking discovery by Spanish police of 250 dead animals at an illegal breeding center, a man has been arrested.
Officers from the Guardia Civil found the corpses in a filthy warehouse in the northwestern village of Meson do Vento, A Coruña, alongside over 170 live animals who were saved and have been sent to rescue shelters.
According to police, the starving survivors were feasting on the carcasses of the animals – mainly dogs – who had died.
The site supervisor was arrested on suspicions of animal cruelty, illegal possession of protected animals and unqualified veterinarian practice.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Guardia Civil said the conditions in the warehouse were ‘extremely poor in terms of health and animal welfare’.
Read more: An illegal Mediterranean tortoise breeding facility has been closed on Spain’s Costa Blanca
“The operation, carried out by Guardia Civil Seprona after a preliminary inspection by Noia Fiscal and Border Patrol, began with an investigation by this unit.
“After searching, we found 250 carcasses, mainly dogs including 28 Chihuahuas and birds.
Many of them were at various stages of decomposition and even mummification. The remains were discovered alongside animals that were eating the carcasses due to a lack of water and food. The cages and kennels were also completely covered in excrement.
The unsanitary conditions of the premises led to 171 animals being in extreme condition.
Read more: Dozens cute puppies found at an illegal breeding farm in Spain’s Costa Blanca
The animals included dogs, chinchillas miniature horses, chickens ducks and other birds.
“Due the poor conditions that posed a grave risk to animals’ lives, we collected all live specimens and moved them to centres suitable for their recovery and welfare.
“During this inspection, the Guardia Civil discovered a large stockpile veterinary medicine and equipment that was only available on prescription, with most of them having expired.
“As a result, Seprona in A Coruña has initiated proceedings for the alleged crimes of animal abuse, illegal possession of protected species and unqualified veterinary practice.”
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