The Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza (Seprona) of the Guardia Civil is investigating in Valdepeñas (province of Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha) is investigating a man who reportedly said in a widely circulated video that he had killed around 40 cats and run over around ten more with his car near his property. According to the Subdelegación del Gobierno a complaint has been filed; the Guardia Civil has already taken statements in the case. The investigation is under way.
According to consistent reports by Europa Press and elDiario.es no offence has so far been charged to the person concerned. It is not known whether investigators currently have evidence to substantiate the acts described in the video. The case came to public attention last week after the animal welfare party PACMA announced that it would file a complaint. PACMA has also requested an “urgent” meeting with the Ayuntamiento de Valdepeñas to discuss the safety of local cat colonies and the people who care for them.
The relevant legal framework is Spain’s animal welfare legislation (Ley 7/2023), in force since 2023, which assigns municipalities responsibilities including the identification, registration and sterilisation of cat colonies and their management. At the same time, claims on social media are no substitute for evidence. Verifiable acts would be required for criminal or administrative penalties, for example under the relevant animal welfare and protection legislation.
Seprona’s investigation is now aimed at establishing the facts: the possible discovery and identification of dead animals, veterinary assessments, analysis of the video footage and interviews with witnesses in Valdepeñas and the surrounding area of Ciudad Real. Only once reliable evidence or testimony is available will it be possible to determine whether an offence has been committed. It is too early to predict the outcome; there have been no court rulings or reported formal charges.
For the local administration, the case raises practical questions about the management of free-roaming cats and the protection of volunteer carers. PACMA is calling for additional safeguards. The Guardia Civil has given no further details, citing the ongoing investigation.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).