Officers of the Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra together with the local police of Sant Esteve de Sesrovires (Barcelona) have seized more than 80 abused animals. The animals lived in appalling conditions on a farm.
Officers found a pony, 69 goats and sheep, 12 dogs and five geese. The abused animals were in inadequate hygienic conditions. According to the Catalan police, the animals did not have the space or the necessary conditions for their welfare. Also, they did not receive any kind of veterinary care. The owner of the farm has been criminally charged for failing to ensure the welfare and protection of the animals. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the owner.
Deplorable conditions and lack of attention
During the inspection, the officers found that the animals were living in polluted and unsanitary areas. They did not have sufficient access to food or water. This seriously endangered the health of the animals.
Faced with this situation, the Mossos decided to confiscate all the abused animals. They took the animals to various recovery centres and rescue centres in Catalonia. These centres will be responsible for providing the veterinary care that the animals need.
Penalties in Spain for animal cruelty
In Spain, animal cruelty is a crime that can lead to imprisonment, fines, and the prohibition of having animals in the future. Organic Law 3/2023, of March 28, 2023, introduced important changes to the Spanish Penal Code regarding animal cruelty:
The penalties for crimes of animal cruelty resulting in death set penalties of 12 to 24 months in prison. In addition, a special disqualification of 2 to 4 years is imposed for those who practice professions or crafts related to animals, as well as for their possession.
The basic form of animal cruelty, which includes inflicting injury on a pet in need of veterinary treatment that is not related to regulated activities such as hunting or killing for food, carries prison sentences of 3 to 18 months or fines of 6 to 12 months.
A special disqualification of 1 to 3 years also applies to activities related to animals. This law introduces aggravating circumstances that increase the severity of the penalties. Such as the use of dangerous methods, cruel abuse, the loss or disabling of an animal organ, and abuse in the presence of minors or vulnerable persons. In addition, assault that is publicly disseminated or involves the use of poison and other destructive methods is considered a crime.
Leaving vertebrate animals under the responsibility of an adult is also classified as a criminal offense, with penalties of a fine of 1 to 6 months or community service, and a special disqualification of 1 to 3 years.