Target: Miguel Armenteros León, Chief Prosecutor, Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of A Coruña, Spain
Goal: Seek the maximum lawful penalties, lifetime animal-ownership bans, and restitution in a case where hundreds of animals were reportedly found dead or in life-threatening neglect.
Authorities reportedly entered a warehouse and discovered a scene described as “extremely poor” in hygiene, with cages totally covered in excrement and at least 250 dead animals in varying stages of decomposition, some mummified. The dead allegedly included dozens of small-breed dogs and birds. Officers also reportedly found survivors so deprived that they were feeding off carcasses due to lack of food and water.
Police reportedly rescued 171 living animals, including exotic and protected bird species such as macaws and cockatoos, who were said to be in life-threatening condition. The site’s manager was arrested on suspicion of animal abuse, illegal possession of protected species, and unqualified veterinary practice. Reports describe conditions consistent with prolonged neglect and severe suffering, with protected fauna adding a serious wildlife-crime component.
Swift, visible accountability is essential to deter future offenses and to honor the victims. This case calls for robust application of Spain’s animal-protection statutes and wildlife laws, permanent prohibitions on keeping animals upon conviction, and restitution to cover veterinary, rehabilitation, and placement costs. Accordingly, this petition urges vigorous prosecution, opposition to lenient pleas, and court-ordered bans that prevent further harm.
PETITION LETTER:
Chief Prosecutor Armenteros León,
Reports indicate that officers uncovered at least 250 animal corpses in a clandestine breeding operation, with cages reportedly covered in excrement and survivors so deprived that they were feeding off the dead. Police also reportedly rescued 171 living animals, including protected species such as macaws and cockatoos, who were said to be in life-threatening condition.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue the strongest charges supported by the evidence, including animal-abuse offenses and wildlife-crime counts for protected species. Please request, upon conviction, lifetime bans on animal ownership, meaningful custodial sentences where applicable, and restitution for the full costs of rescue, medical care, and rehabilitation. Given the alleged scale and gravity, we also ask that you oppose any disposition that would minimize accountability.
Robust prosecution and clear sentencing recommendations can deter copycat operations, protect vulnerable animals, and reaffirm that large-scale cruelty and illegal wildlife possession will meet a firm legal response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Mayowa Ajala
