The Guardia Civil is investigating in Navalcarnero (province of Madrid) against two operators of a dog-training centre on suspicion of animal cruelty. Officers seized 46 dogs and handed them over to the Community of Madrid. According to the authorities, nine animals required immediate treatment at a veterinary clinic due to extreme emaciation, anaemia and dehydration.
The investigation began with several complaints received as early as June, raising concerns about poor living conditions and inadequate care of the animals. Specialist officers from the Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza (Seprona) of the Guardia Civil then inspected the premises together with inspectors from the Comunidad de Madrid. They said they found very serious shortcomings. The body of a dog was also found at the site.
According to the authorities, the seized dogs were handed over to the Comunidad de Madrid, which then allocated them to animal welfare organisations to provide temporary care and medical treatment. The premises were closed. The two suspects must now face the judicial authorities . No information was initially available from the accused or their defence.
The Guardia Civil’s Directorate General stresses that reports of poor conditions at animal boarding facilities and dog-training centres in Spain regularly lead to inspections by Seprona. Depending on the severity of a case, Spanish criminal law provides for prison sentences, fines and bans on keeping or handling animals. The specific penalties depend on the circumstances and the outcome of any court proceedings. Administrative penalties imposed by the Comunidad de Madrid remain unaffected and may be imposed in parallel.
It is currently unclear what specific circumstances led to the death of the dog found at the site, and whether further complaints have been filed. It is also unclear how long the reported breaches had continued. The Guardia Civil investigation is ongoing. According to the authorities, the animals’ care remains coordinated until the matter is fully resolved; responsibility currently lies with the Comunidad de Madrid and the animal welfare organisations involved.
The case is part of a series of recent measures against suspected animal cruelty in Spain. In recent months, security forces in several provinces have inspected facilities over inadequate animal care and ordered measures to be taken. In the case now reported in Navalcarnero, the key factors are the ongoing investigation, the evidence gathered during the inspections and the subsequent decision by the courts.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).