Lorraine Williamson
More than one hundred dogs have now been removed from a private rural property in Puertollano, in the province of Ciudad Real, as Spanish authorities investigate what could become one of the region’s most serious animal neglect cases in recent years. The dogs were found living for extended periods without adequate food or access to clean drinking water.
The investigation, led by Seprona, the environmental protection unit of the Guardia Civil, has been ongoing since November 2024. Over recent months, conditions on the finca have prompted repeated emergency interventions by animal welfare volunteers.
A rescue operation that kept growing
This weekend, animal welfare group Huellas de Puertollano removed a further 11 dogs from the property. That latest rescue brings the total number of animals taken into care to around 110.
Earlier interventions had already led to the removal of 82 dogs under similar circumstances. Each visit uncovered more animals in distress, suggesting long-term and systematic neglect rather than an isolated incident.
Volunteers involved in the operation say the scale of the case has been deeply shocking, even for those used to dealing with abuse situations.
Malnutrition, unsafe water and untreated injuries
According to rescuers, many of the dogs were visibly malnourished and weak. In several areas of the finca, the only water available to the animals was dirty or contaminated, making it unfit for consumption.
Veterinary experts warn that prolonged lack of clean water can cause severe organ damage and exacerbate existing health problems, particularly in already underfed animals.
One of the most disturbing discoveries involved a dog found with a chain so tightly wrapped around its leg that it had cut into the flesh. The injury required urgent veterinary treatment and is believed to have developed over a long period without intervention.
Seprona investigation under way since 2024
Seprona officers began monitoring the finca last autumn after receiving alerts about the condition of the animals. Their investigation focuses on potential breaches of Spain’s animal welfare laws, which require owners to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.
Evidence gathered so far suggests that these basic needs were repeatedly ignored. Animal welfare organisations say the alleged behaviour would constitute serious abuse if confirmed.
The Guardia Civil has not yet confirmed whether criminal charges will be filed, but the inquiry remains active.
Volunteers left to deal with the aftermath
Local volunteers have played a central role in the rescue operation, working alongside officers to remove the dogs safely, arrange veterinary care, and find temporary accommodation.
Huellas de Puertollano has stressed that the work is far from over. Many of the dogs are traumatised, require ongoing medical treatment, and will need months of rehabilitation before they can be rehomed.
The organisation has also warned that cases of this scale place enormous pressure on local shelters and foster networks, which are already stretched.
A wider problem that keeps resurfacing
The Puertollano case once again exposes the challenges Spain faces in enforcing animal welfare standards in rural and semi-rural areas. Without timely reporting and sustained oversight, situations like this can persist for years, largely hidden from view.
For campaigners, the hope is that the investigation will lead not only to accountability, but to stronger preventative measures to stop similar cases developing elsewhere.
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