In a significant crackdown, more than 400 animals, predominantly cats and dogs, have been liberated from a trafficking network operating in Spain.
The criminal group is suspected of engaging in the illegal importation of animals from eastern Europe into Spain via Andorra, later profiting from their sale.
The illicit activities of this network extend to the forgery of documents, falsely declaring the animals as healthy for sale when, in reality, they were not.
The thirteen individuals involved in this operation have been apprehended on charges ranging from animal abuse to fraud and money laundering.
The rescued animals, often subjected to poor living conditions, are now under the care of veterinarians. The joint police operation unfolded in September, triggered by numerous complaints about the substandard conditions at a pet shop in Barcelona’s city center. The initial investigation, launched three years ago, discovered 33 sick dogs in that establishment.
Authorities revealed that some of the recovered animals, many of which were high-value breeds, were unlawfully procured through online platforms. Additionally, certain animals were bred in facilities operated by the suspects, where female animals were exploited to produce as many offspring as possible without regard for their well-being.
The animals went through a tough time. They were crammed in tight, dirty conditions and taken on long trips, sometimes more than 2,000 kilometers. This made some of them sick with contagious diseases that spread to others they were sold with.
What makes it worse is that a vet was part of the criminal group. She gave her approval, making it seem like the animals were healthy when they weren’t. The vet also helped the group cheat during official checks.
Spain recently made a new law to stop this. Now, animals can’t be sold in pet stores, and breaking the rules can mean big fines or even jail time, up to €200,000 (£173,000). This shows that Spain is serious about protecting animals and stopping illegal pet trading.