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A suspected illegal breeding operation in Almayate, near Vélez-Málaga, has been dismantled after the Policía Nacional found nearly 300 dogs and cats living in appalling sanitary conditions. The business owner and an employee have been arrested, while the veterinarian responsible for the animals is being investigated.

 

The case began when the Policía Local in Vélez-Málaga was alerted by a passerby who found a purebred dog badly injured on a path close to the property. That discovery led officers to the breeding facility, where they found it was still operating as normal. In fact, when police arrived, several buyers from Andalucía were at the site to purchase animals.

 

What followed was a search that lasted three days because of the large number of animals on the premises. Inside, officers found a widespread build-up of excrement, animals living in the waste and particularly vulnerable puppies among them. According to the Policía Nacional, the conditions posed a serious health risk.

 

Investigators also found numerous animals suffering from infectious and parasitic diseases. Several dogs had significant injuries that required urgent veterinary attention, while some breeding females had to be spayed as an emergency measure after being diagnosed with uterine infections linked to the breeding practices.

 

One of the most disturbing findings was a dead cat inside a cage, surrounded by other live animals.

The operation led to the arrest of the person in charge of the breeding farm, a 74-year-old man, and a 40-year-old employee. Both are accused of an alleged continuous crime of animal abuse resulting in death, along with another offence of animal abuse for sexual purposes through intensive breeding.

 

The veterinarian responsible for the animals' health care has also been questioned and has given a statement as part of the ongoing proceedings.

 

In total, nearly 300 dogs and cats were removed from the premises and taken to safety. Their care and recovery are now being handled by more than a dozen animal protection associations in the province of Málaga, while the judicial investigation continues.

 

 

Image: Policía Nacional