Barcelona takes care of over 200 pets rescued from police operation against animal abuse

Barcelona's public pets shelter (CAACB) is currently protecting and taking care of over 200 pets rescued from a joint police operation against animal abuse that took place on September 20. 

The CAACB has made the first analysis of each animal and clinical test and has been taking care of the animals during the last weeks. Now, the judge of the case has confirmed to the shelter that they can release the animals to go to foster families. 

Overall, the public company attended puppies, pregnant dogs, and dogs who have given birth, mainly dogs and cats. There were 179 dogs and five puppies who just were born in the shelter, as well as 35 cats. 

The reception process, which is not a final adoption, has started with many volunteers and professionals of the CAACB, as well as people who wanted to take care of the most critically injured and eldest animals.

Some of these have been people who had been affected by the criminal group behind the trafficking of pets, as they had been waiting for one of these animals. 

There are still 30 animals waiting for their process after sorting 160. 

Those interested in adopting a dog or a cat must make an appointment via email adopcionscaacb@bcn.cat. 

Animal abuse for economic purposes 

The criminal group behind the sales of these animals was dismantled on September 20 after investigators linked several organizations in Madrid, Barcelona, Andorra, and countries in Eastern Europe where the animals came from.  

Out of the 13 detainees, one is in prison and the rest have been released on bail.

Barcelona's Guàrdia Urbana police confirmed there was animal abuse due to the lack of care among pets, which caused some to die. Meanwhile, passports and health records of these animals showed "obvious anomalies," leading police to confirm they were forged.

Officers also found issues with animal transport and pets care both during the selling process and at their destination. 

According to the police, the only purpose of the criminal group was "economic," as they did not take care of the animals' welfare nor in preventing new diseases.  

Many of the animals were transported under the legal age of three months and were sold "as soon as possible" once they reached their destination.