A new crackdown on animal trafficking targeted an organized ring involved in the illegal breeding and sale of puppies from Slovakia and Hungary. Eight members were arrested across Madrid and Girona as authorities unraveled a scheme that used forged documents in business deals and showed a troubling disregard for animal welfare. The group operated with a system that resembled a supply chain, prioritizing profit over the health and safety of the animals and ignoring basic sanitary standards.
Investigators conducted searches in four towns across Madrid and Barcelona, rescuing more than a hundred dogs and uncovering the skeletal remains of buried animals. Authorities seized euthanasia medications, veterinary prescriptions, and sealed health records, along with approximately 3,000 euros in cash. The court in Navalcarnero ordered the freezing of the suspects’ bank accounts and deposits across four financial institutions to disrupt the financial flow of the operation.
The investigation began after authorities determined that a criminal network importing puppies from Eastern Europe was selling them in Spain using false documents. The organization operated with a pyramid-like structure, and investigators kept two leaders under close surveillance as part of a strategic approach to dismantle the hierarchy.
sick animals
The animals typically originated from farms in Slovakia and Hungary, destined to travel long distances—often more than 15 hours—to reach the organization. To obscure the true age of the puppies, the group altered birth dates on certificates and even used blank documents capable of being updated with new data, including breed information. Some animals arrived ill or diseased, yet members who were aware of their condition did not report it. Puppies in such states were eventually handed over to buyers, resulting in many fatalities after purchase.
Police reports indicate the suspects sought breeders from various regions of Spain to expand their supply network and repeatedly purchased puppies from them. The manipulation of birth records and the use of changeable documents allowed the ring to claim compliance with age requirements and health standards whenever convenient.
In addition, the group employed a veterinarian to administer vaccines that gave the appearance of legitimate health certificates, and they used medications that require a veterinary prescription. Despite these acts, healthy puppies and those with illnesses were marketed through online advertisements on e-commerce platforms and a dedicated website operated by the organization.
Authorities describe the eight detainees as engaging in ongoing crimes of animal abuse, fraud, illegal professional activities, document forgery, and membership in a criminal organization. The operation was carried out with the support of animal protection associations, the Animal Protection Area of the General Directorate of Agriculture, Livestock and Food in the Community of Madrid, the General Directorate of Animal Rights, and the veterinary services of the National Police, all working in concert to halt the illegal trade and safeguard the welfare of animals.