“The dogs were without water and among the boxes”

The investigation began on September 22 after a notice was issued by local police in Moncofa, whose officers had been alerted by a neighbor to the presence of two dogs near a rural road. When they arrived, they were able to verify that the female showed signs of lactation recent and that the two animals lacked identification.

During the first intervention, the agents were a few meters away eight newborn puppiessome in very delicate condition, without accessible water and located on cardboard. Faced with the seriousness of the situation, an animal association was immediately activated, which urgently transferred them to a veterinary clinic for evaluation.

The veterinary report indicated that the puppies had symptoms consistent with ‘coccidiosis‘, a particularly aggressive parasitic infection in these young animals. Despite the health intervention, three of them died, while the others were able to recover.

The joint work of Seprona, the Local Police and citizen collaboration made it possible to identify the alleged perpetrator, who recognized as the owner of the lactating female and the puppies. At no time did the woman report the loss and/or suspected theft of the animals.

For all these reasons, an investigation was opened for a suspected crime of animal abuse. Seprona referred the proceedings to the sole trial and investigation section of the Nules First Instance Court.

The Civil Guard recalls that abandoning or omitting veterinary assistance in the event of signs of illness or pain can constitute a crime, even if the animal remains with its owner: “Owners are responsible for the well-being of their animals, they must guarantee veterinary assistance and avoid any avoidable suffering.”