This report details a Civil Guard action in the Region of Murcia, focusing on an investigation that began thanks to citizen cooperation. It concerns the alleged perpetrator of offenses related to the protection of flora, fauna and domestic animals, specifically the abuse of animals on a cattle ranch in Murcia. The operation, known as Bucefalo II, was launched to pursue a case that drew local attention due to the conditions observed at the farm and the welfare of the animals involved.
During the course of the operation, the Civil Guards SEPRONA unit uncovered 31 dead horses on the farm, according to statements from the Benemérita. This finding spurred a thorough on-site assessment and a broader inquiry into the farm’s operations and management practices. The discovery underscored the seriousness of concerns raised by the community and prompted swift action by the investigative team.
The protests and public concern began when, at the start of the month, authorities were alerted by citizens that the cattle ranch in Murcia had a disturbing accumulation of decomposed horse remains. The information prompted officials to mobilize specialized personnel to inspect the site and ascertain the scope of the problem. SEPRONA coordinated with the local veterinary services to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of the farm and its operations.
In a joint inspection, the SEPRONA patrol verified the reported conditions and documented the situation on site, working in conjunction with Murcia City Council Veterinary Services. The assessment confirmed that 31 dead horses were in severe decay. The veterinarian involved noted that some carcasses appeared to be more than a month old, highlighting delays or gaps in the handling and disposal of animal remains. The person responsible for the farm reportedly told the civil rangers that the dead cattle were not removed due to a lack of transport insurance to cover those expenses, a detail that raised questions about compliance with mandatory animal welfare and welfare-related regulations.
The Civil Guard also reported that the person in charge of the facility did not provide veterinary care to treat the animals, instead attributing the deaths to a respiratory infection. This claim was part of the broader investigation into possible neglect and animal abuse, with officials seeking to determine whether proper veterinary oversight and timely medical intervention were available for the herd.
At another location within the farm, a room housed approximately twenty goats, living among the remains of fourteen severely decomposed horses. The presence of living goats amid decaying animal remains created obvious risks of infection for both the animals and humans, given that production animals may enter the food chain under certain circumstances. This situation intensified the focus of the inquiry on animal welfare practices and biosecurity at the facility.
As the investigation progressed, the Civil Guard identified the person in charge of the animal farm as the alleged perpetrator of a crime related to the protection of flora, fauna and domestic animals due to suspected animal abuse. In light of these developments, SEPRONA provided the Murcia City Council with a full briefing after reviewing all required documentation for the facility, noting that the livestock farm lacked the relevant municipal operating license. The absence of proper licensing further complicated the case, raising questions about regulatory compliance and oversight in the management of the farm.
Second performance details
Almost a year earlier, a parallel action at the same farm had already prompted authorities to investigate the same individual. During that prior incident, investigators uncovered fifteen horse carcasses in an advanced state of decomposition, with concerns that the animals did not receive minimal veterinary care. The owner allegedly failed to address evident health issues, prompting renewed scrutiny and subsequent actions by the authorities tied to cruelty concerns.
The penalties associated with cruelty to animals in the context of the applicable legal framework include potential imprisonment and fines. The relevant provisions specify a range of consequences, including terms of confinement and monetary penalties, along with disqualification from engaging in any animal-related profession or trade for a period of time. The authorities emphasized that such penalties aim to address the severity of neglect and the safeguarding of animal welfare within the jurisdiction.
Following these findings, the person under investigation was brought before the Investigation Court in Murcia for processing related to the case, with formal proceedings initiated to determine accountability and appropriate legal actions in accordance with the applicable statutes and procedures. The ongoing evaluation reflects the commitment of the authorities to address reported animal welfare concerns and to enforce regulations intended to protect animals from harm.