Thirteen people have been arrested after more than 400 animals, mostly cats and dogs, were rescued from a suspected human trafficking network in Spain.
According to Spanish police, the network is suspected of illegally importing animals from Eastern Europe through a trade network between Madrid, Barcelona and Andorra.
A joint police operation revealed that the network transported the animals long distances – sometimes more than 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) – mostly in small vehicles with poor ventilation, no lights and poor sanitary conditions.
These poor conditions encouraged the development of infectious diseases in some animals and led to contamination of the rest of the transported animals, authorities said Wednesday.
They added that some of the animals recovered, often breeds with high commercial value such as Dalmatians, were bought illegally online.
Thirteen people have been arrested after more than 400 animals, mostly cats and dogs, were rescued from a suspected human trafficking network in Spain.
The rescued animals receive specialist medical care
A joint police operation revealed that the network transported the animals long distances – sometimes more than 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) – mostly in small vehicles with poor ventilation, no lights and poor sanitary conditions
According to Spanish police, the network is suspected of illegally importing animals from Eastern Europe through a trade network between Madrid, Barcelona and Andorra.
Others were bred in centers run by the suspected traffickers. Female animals were used there to produce as many young as possible, regardless of their health.
Authorities added that a veterinarian provided the network with her “knowledge and signature” to provide an image of sufficient reliability to guarantee the animals. [were] sold at good conditions’.
They said the vet advised the rest of the organization to hide or conceal data and other technical aspects for official controls and inspections.
Some of the animals recovered, often breeds with high commercial value such as Dalmatians, were bought illegally online
Some animals were bred in centers run by the suspected traffickers. Female animals were used there to produce as many young as possible, regardless of their health
In the photo: Police conduct a nighttime raid on a building linked to suspected human trafficking
The joint police operation to combat the network, involving four Spanish police forces, began at the end of 2020. It was started after the animal protection department of Barcelona City Council and the city police discovered 33 sick dogs in a pet shop in Barcelona.
They also found evidence of abuse of animals, which led to deaths, as well as suspected falsification of documents.
The thirteen people were arrested for, among other things, animal cruelty, trespassing at work, fraud, forgery and money laundering.
The rescued animals receive specialist medical care.
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Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
