Two hundred and fifty dead animals have been found at an illegal breeding centre
Cops found the carcasses – mainly dogs – at various stages of decomposition, with some even mummified.
The remains were discovered alongside 171 live animals, which, lacking food and water, were reportedly feeding on the corpses.
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Their kennels and cages were choked with excrement.
The filthy operation was hidden at the back of a warehouse in O Mesón do Vento, south of A Coruña, Spain.
The person in charge has been arrested.
Among the dead were 28 Chihuahuas and various birds, while the living animals included chinchillas, miniature horses, chickens, ducks, and more dogs and birds.
Some of the birds were exotic and protected species, including two pink cockatoos, a scarlet macaw, and a blue-and-yellow macaw.
All surviving animals have been relocated to recovery and care facilities, as reported by Need To Know.
During the inspection, officers also uncovered a large stockpile of veterinary medicines and materials – much of it expired and all without a prescription.
The Nature Protection Service in A Coruña has launched a case for alleged animal abuse, illegal possession of protected species, and professional malpractice in the veterinary field.
The Civil Guard said in a statement on Saturday (11 Oct): “The case, along with the arrested individual, has been handed over to the Ordes Investigative Court.”
This comes after a separate bust in August, when police uncovered a clandestine zoo in Nules, Castellón province, housing over 150 unregistered animals from 56 species.
Among the animals seized were two ring-tailed lemurs, two Asian small-clawed otters, and a Bali myna – all listed on CITES Appendix I as the world’s most endangered species.
Two men, aged 30 and 35, were accused of trafficking protected species and smuggling.
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