PROPERTY SEARCH

Date Published: 16/09/2022

ARCHIVED - Dogs at Almeria animal shelter crawling with parasites and dangerously malnourished

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

The animals were living among the corpses of other dogs at the Andalucia rescue centre

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Dogs at Almeria animal shelter crawling with parasites and dangerously malnourished

The Guardia Civil in Almería has launched proceedings against the owners of an animal shelter for abandoning 66 dogs in a horrific state of malnutrition and ill health.

The initial complaint came from a staff member at an animal protection association, who reported that the dogs were being kept in filthy conditions and that the corpses and even bones of other animals were scattered around the property.

When officers went to investigate, they were met with a devastating sight. Dozens of dogs of various breeds, ages and genders, who had been ‘rescued’ by shelter, were living in squalor; they were all “excessively thin” and literally infested with ticks and fleas. One disturbing photo shows a dog whose ears can barely be seen for the number parasites.

The officers also located a veterinary report on one of the dogs, which diagnosed the animal with symptoms of a “cachectic state, with severe tick parasitization and severe anaemia" which would have required a blood transfusion and fluids due to the risk of collapse, and even death.

A complaint of animal abuse has been filed against the shelter and, under the new Animal Protection Law approved in August, the owner now faces jail time, a significant fine and a ban from owning or working with animals.

The Guardia Civil is currently running an important awareness campaign against animal abuse and neglect through social media; under the hashtag ‘yosipuedocontarlo’, its aim is to encourage citizens to report any suspected cases of abandonment or neglect to the police.

Now read: Horrifying case of animal abuse uncovered at Murcia horse farm

Image: Guardia Civil

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