Animal cruelty shock: 61 dogs and cats rescued in Malaga province town

Police have rescued 61 dogs and cats from a home in Velez-Malaga after neighbours complained about constant barking and meowing and a powerful smell coming from the property.

The Policia Nacional arrested a 53-year-old woman on suspicion of a continuing offence of animal abuse after officers discovered the animals living in extreme filth, with many suffering from serious illnesses and malnutrition.

Some of the animals had been shut inside kitchen furniture in complete darkness, according to the police investigation reported by various Spanish newspapers on Monday, October 26.

Neighbours’ complaints lead police to 61 animals

Officers from the Policia Nacional’s local judicial investigation unit began investigating after residents raised concerns about the noise and foul smell coming from the property.

A search of the house uncovered 29 dogs and 32 cats spread across different rooms. Investigators allege that the woman had been collecting stray, abandoned and lost animals without providing the basic food, hygiene and veterinary care they needed. Some of the animals reportedly had microchips, suggesting they could have been lost pets rather than strays.

The property belonged to the woman’s mother, who is in her eighties. Police found the house in an extremely unhygienic condition, with animals kept in cramped surroundings and some confined inside kitchen cupboards.

Investigators have raised the possibility of Noah’s syndrome, a condition associated with compulsive animal hoarding. However, this has not been confirmed as a medical diagnosis, and the criminal investigation concerns the alleged mistreatment of the animals.

Dogs and cats suffered serious illnesses

Many of the rescued animals arrived at shelters with bloody diarrhoea, hair loss and eye problems. Several were suffering from diseases requiring urgent veterinary treatment.

Conditions identified included:

• Leishmaniasis: a parasitic disease that can cause serious illness in dogs.
• Parvovirus: a highly contagious virus that can be life-threatening, particularly for puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
• Giardia: a parasite that can cause intestinal problems and diarrhoea.
• Mange: a skin condition caused by mites.

Several dogs were severely malnourished and dehydrated. Some had to be admitted to veterinary hospitals for assisted feeding and intensive treatment.

Despite emergency veterinary care, some animals ended up dying. Police also reported that a particularly aggressive parvovirus outbreak infected other animals. One of the rescued cats had reportedly lost its sight completely.

Investigators have referred possible aggravating circumstances to the judicial authorities, including alleged cruelty and the deaths of some animals. The woman has been officially arrested, but any criminal responsibility will be determined through the courts.

Rescued animals need new homes in Malaga

Surviving animals are now being cared for by animal shelters and protection centres across Malaga province. The Policia Nacional has appealed to the public to help find them new homes, with particular attention to the cats, which reportedly have a lower adoption rate than dogs.

Adoption enquiries can be made by calling 952 97 16 63. According to the information released by police, adoption is being offered free of charge.

The operation received support from Velez-Malaga Town Hall, which covered veterinary expenses associated with the emergency treatment of the rescued cats. Several animal protection centres across the province also helped with the rescue and care arrangements.

Anyone considering adoption should use the contact number to ask about the animals’ individual health, recovery and suitability for a new home. The rescue comes as another reminder of the pressures facing animal protection organisations, which often have to find space and veterinary care for large numbers of animals at short notice.

Spain’s animal welfare legislation sets out duties for people responsible for companion animals, including requirements concerning their living conditions and wellbeing. The investigation in Velez-Malaga will now determine the circumstances of the alleged abuse and the responsibility, if any, of the arrested woman.