The Civil Guard recently shut down a secret animal breeding facility in Mesón do Vento, Ordes (A Coruña). The conditions were appalling. Officials reported finding 250 dead animals and 171 more in critical condition. The latter have been moved to various recovery centers for care.
Initial investigations by the Noia tax and border patrol led to a detailed search by the Seprona division of the Civil Guard. Inside, they discovered numerous animal corpses, primarily dogs and birds. Many had begun to decompose, and some were even mummified. Disturbingly, living animals were found near these remains, struggling to survive in a dire lack of food and water.
The area was filled with waste. The 171 surviving animals included dogs, chinchillas, dwarf horses, chickens, and ducks. Notably, some were protected species listed in CITES, such as pink cockatoos and macaws.
Amid this chaos, inspectors unearthed a stash of medications and veterinary supplies that were expired or lacked necessary prescriptions. This only heightened concerns about the negligence involved.
The Civil Guard has launched legal proceedings for animal abuse and the illegal possession of protected species. They are moving forward with the case, including the arrest of the person responsible, who is now under investigation.
This incident sheds light on wider issues of animal welfare and regulation enforcement. According to recent statistics from animal welfare organizations, violations like this are unfortunately not uncommon. In 2021, reports indicated that over 1,300 cases of animal mistreatment were recorded in Spain alone. Public awareness and advocacy for stronger laws underscore the need for consistent vigilance and action against such cruelty.
Cooperation in these investigations often involves various agencies, such as veterinary inspectors from environmental ministries. Collective efforts are crucial to ensure the safety and protection of wildlife and domestic animals.
For more on this topic, you can read an in-depth report from [El País](https://elpais.com/clima-y-medio-ambiente/2025-10-11/la-guardia-civil-halla-250-cadaveres-de-animales-en-un-criadero-clandestino-en-a-coruna.html).