SPAIN: More than 400 animals—mostly dogs and cats—have been freed from a Spanish trafficking ring. The gang is under suspicion for unlawfully importing animals into Spain from Eastern Europe through Andorra and then selling them to turn a profit.
They are also accused of fabricating documents to say that the animals were fit for sale when, in fact, they weren’t. Thirteen individuals have been apprehended and face charges related to animal abuse, fraud, and money laundering.
The rescued animals, which were frequently kept in shoddy living conditions, are now under the care of veterinarians.
The collaborative police operation to rescue these animals occurred in September, three years after complaints were filed in Barcelona regarding the deplorable conditions at a downtown pet store, where 33 sick dogs were discovered.
On Wednesday, the authorities revealed that a portion of the retrieved animals—many of which were valuable breeds—had been obtained illegally through internet purchases.
Others were bred in facilities under the suspects’ management, where female animals were used to generate a large number of offspring without concern for their well-being.
Many animals were then carried by road, frequently in unsanitary and cramped conditions, on lengthy trips that sometimes spanned over 2,000 kilometres (1,242 miles).
As a result of these conditions, some animals contracted infectious and contagious diseases, subsequently transmitting these illnesses to others they were being sold alongside.
“The criminal organisation included a veterinarian who provided her knowledge and signature in order to give an image of sufficient reliability with which to guarantee that the animals sold were in good condition,” the authorities said in a statement.
Authorities also revealed that a veterinarian provided guidance to other members of the criminal organisation on concealing or altering records during official checks and inspections.
Last month, Spain enacted a more stringent law to regulate the sale and ownership of animals, which encompasses a ban on selling animals in pet stores and Violations can result in imprisonment or fines of up to 200,000 euros (£173,000).
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