Lorraine Williamson
Despite Spain’s Animal Welfare Act, illegal breeding operations continue to flourish in the shadows — and the latest discovery in Galicia has shocked even seasoned investigators. In a warehouse on the outskirts of Mesón do Vento, A Coruña, officers found a gruesome scene: hundreds of animals dead or dying in filthy, makeshift cages.
What began as a routine inspection quickly turned into one of the most distressing animal cruelty cases Spain has seen in years.
250 carcasses found, dozens more fighting for life
When the Guardia Civil entered the site, the stench of decay was overwhelming. More than 250 carcasses were found — dogs, chinchillas, birds and other small animals left to rot among faeces and debris.
Even worse, investigators reported that some surviving animals had resorted to feeding on the remains of their dead companions. Those still alive were emaciated, dehydrated, and in critical condition.
SEPRONA steps in
After the initial discovery by a customs patrol in Noia, the Guardia Civil’s SEPRONA unit — Spain’s environmental protection branch — took over the case. Their investigation led to the rescue of 171 live animals, including exotic and protected species such as pink cockatoos and macaws.
The unit also found expired medicines and unlicensed veterinary drugs, some of which were being used without professional supervision. The combination of neglect, unsanitary conditions, and uncontrolled substances posed a major public health risk.
Arrest and legal proceedings
The alleged owner of the site has been arrested and now faces charges of animal cruelty, illegal possession of protected species, and practising veterinary acts without authorisation. The case is being handled by the Court of Bar Associations in A Coruña.
Authorities are also examining whether the operation was linked to wider networks trading in exotic or endangered species — a lucrative black market that continues to undermine animal protection laws across Spain.
Calls for tighter enforcement
Animal welfare organisations have condemned the tragedy, warning that it exposes critical gaps in enforcement. Spain’s updated Animal Welfare Act — introduced to prevent exactly these kinds of abuses — is only as strong as the resources dedicated to upholding it.
Campaigners are now urging the government to intensify inspections, strengthen licensing systems, and ensure public awareness campaigns reach potential pet owners.
A wake-up call for consumers
The Galicia case serves as a grim reminder that cruelty often hides behind appealing advertisements and low prices. Animal rights groups stress that buyers should only purchase pets from recognised, licensed breeders or adopt from reputable shelters.
Until enforcement becomes consistent across the country, tragedies like this are likely to repeat — exposing once again the dark side of Spain’s underground animal trade.
Why this matters
Spain’s progress on animal rights has been significant in recent years, but this case proves the fight is far from over. Stronger coordination between authorities, greater public vigilance, and tougher penalties for offenders may be the only way to end the suffering still happening behind closed doors.
Source: El País