Torremolinos animal shelter set to reopen

A MALAGA judge has ordered that the controversial Parque Animal shelter in Torremolinos be allowed to reopen, overruling the town hall’s decision. Parque Animal came under investigation after a vet who had worked with the shelter reported to the Guardia Civil that they allegedly caused the painful deaths of thousands of animals in their care.

The President was arrested and charged with several crimes, including animal abuse, document forgery, fraud, practicing a profession without qualifications and illegal appropriation.

Another two employees at the shelter were arrested and a fourth person is charged in the case.

Animals were allegedly sacrificed “on mass, in a deliberated, continuous and unjustified manner” with no veterinary control and using very low doses of the euthanasia drug to save money, causing the animals to suffer a slow and agonizing death.

The detainees were set free with charges but the mayor ordered that the centre be closed for six months and fined €15,000.

The judge has ruled that the closure cannot be based simply on a complaint and that a verdict must be reached first.