- Four hundred animals have been rescued after police foiled an alleged smuggling network in Spain
- Thirteen people have been arrested on suspicion of illegally importing animals from Eastern Europe into the country
- The joint police operation to thwart the network began in late 2020
Thirteen people have been arrested after more than 400 animals, mainly cats and dogs, were rescued from an alleged human trafficking network in Spain.
According to Spanish police, the network is suspected of illegally importing animals from Eastern Europe through a trade network linking Madrid, Barcelona and Andorra.
A joint police operation revealed that the network transported the animals long distances – sometimes covering more than 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) – mainly in small vehicles with little ventilation, no lights and poor sanitary conditions.
These poor conditions promoted the development of infectious diseases in some animals and caused contamination among the rest of the transported animals, authorities said on Wednesday.
They added that some of the recovered animals, often breeds with high commercial value, had been purchased illegally online.
Thirteen people have been arrested after more than 400 animals, mostly cats and dogs, were rescued from an alleged human trafficking network in Spain
The recovered animals receive specialist veterinary care
A joint police operation revealed that the network transported the animals long distances – sometimes covering more than 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) – mainly in small vehicles with little 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 linking Madrid, Barcelona and Andorra.
Others were bred in centers run by the alleged trafficker. There, female animals were used to produce as many young as possible, without regard to their health.
Authorities added that a veterinarian provided the network with her “knowledge and signature to give an image of sufficient reliability to ensure that animals are sold under good conditions.”
They said the vet advised the rest of the organization on hiding or concealing data and other technical aspects for official controls and inspections.
The joint police operation to thwart the network, involving four Spanish police forces, began in late 2020
The joint police operation to thwart the network, involving four Spanish police forces, began in late 2020. This was sparked after the Barcelona City Council’s Animal Welfare Department and the city police discovered 33 sick dogs in a Barcelona pet shop.
They also found evidence of animal mistreatment, which led to deaths, and suspected document forgery.
The thirteen people were arrested on charges including animal cruelty, workplace trespass, fraud, falsification of documents and money laundering.
The recovered animals receive specialist veterinary care.