In Seville, authorities conducted a targeted operation that uncovered a privately run rooster farm hidden inside a warehouse in the Polígono Sur district. A 27-year-old man was identified as the person in charge, overseeing the site where dozens of birds were kept under troubling conditions. Inside the storage room, animals were found in a state that reflected a lack of proper sanitary care and basic welfare practices. The scene raised serious concerns about how the birds were being treated and whether they were intended for illegal fighting activities.
According to official updates shared by local emergency services, the authorities intervened with a coordinated effort that involved municipal police from the southern region and experts from animal health authorities. A total of 16 roosters and 3 chickens, all of the Spanish fighting rooster type, were seized as part of the investigation. The seizure underscored the harsh reality of animal exploitation tied to illegal fighting rings and the ongoing enforcement campaigns aimed at curbing these practices.
At approximately 10:00, representatives from the Southern District confirmed the discovery of the farm and the individual responsible for its operation. The location in Polígono Sur served as the backdrop for the seizure, highlighting how illicit activities can be concealed within industrial or storage facilities. The birds deliberated on site showed clear indicators of mistreatment that aligned with participation in illegal combats. Veterinary assessments during the operation documented physical signs consistent with cruelty and neglect, reinforcing the necessity of intervention to protect animal welfare.
The authorities did not hesitate to pursue legal action, proceeding with charges related to animal abuse against the person in charge of the hatchery. The legal response reflected the seriousness with which authorities treat cases of cruelty and the use of animals for fighting, which is illegal and subject to prosecution in Spain. The case also illustrates the broader public safety aspect, as illegal animal fighting networks often intersect with other illegal activities and pose risks to communities.
The operation was carried out as a joint effort between the local Police and the Animal Health Directorate of Seville City Council. The collaboration demonstrated how different agencies can combine expertise to address animal welfare violations effectively. Following the initial enforcement, the Lipasam workforce assisted in the removal of the birds and cleaning of the site, ensuring that the environment would not pose further risk to the animals or the surrounding area. The coordinated response prioritized humane treatment, lawful disposition of the seized animals, and the prevention of future infractions through robust enforcement and monitoring.
In the aftermath, officials emphasized the ongoing commitment to combating illegal cockfighting rings and the mistreatment of birds kept for any form of combat or entertainment. They noted that sustained enforcement, public awareness, and proper welfare standards are essential components of a broader strategy to deter such abuse. The Seville operation serves as a clear reminder that authorities will act decisively to remove animals from dangerous conditions and pursue accountability for those responsible, while also promoting safe, humane alternatives for any birds that may be rehabilitated or rehomed under appropriate oversight.
Residents are reminded that animal cruelty is a prosecutable offense with penalties that reflect the seriousness of harm inflicted on living beings. Local authorities continue to monitor known sites and suspected facilities, encouraging the public to report any activities that could involve animal abuse or illegal fighting. The joint action in Seville stands as a model of how interagency cooperation can protect animal welfare, uphold the law, and support communities in maintaining ethical standards for animal care and treatment.