Target: Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Minister of the Interior of Spain
Goal: Curb illegal pet trade and animal mistreatment.
Recent collaborative efforts among Spain’s four police forces unveiled an extensive illegal trade network responsible for animal mistreatment, labor violations, and fraud. Unfolding on September 20, the crackdown involved the National Police, Guardia Civil, Mossos d’Esquadra, and Barcelona Urban Police. They arrested 13 individuals and exposed an operation with tentacles reaching from Eastern Europe to Madrid, Barcelona, Andorra, and beyond. Illegal activities in this network reportedly included fraudulent documentation and money laundering, with assets stashed in locations ranging from Spain to Dubai.
This initiative also revealed a complex trade structure with multiple related businesses employing similar illegal tactics to sell animals online. Multiple agencies, such as Veterinary Colleges and Animal Protection Offices from different regions, had to intervene to provide temporary custody and care for hundreds of rescued animals.
Originating from complaints dating back to late 2020 about the health of animals sold in Barcelona, investigators have now unearthed an even broader operation involving severe animal mistreatment and fraud. It’s time to take immediate action.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Fernando Grande-Marlaska,
We express profound concern and indignation regarding Spain’s illegal pet trade and related animal mistreatment. The recent police operation has shown that current regulations fail to address the scope and complexity of these illicit activities adequately.
We urgently call upon you to establish stricter regulatory measures aimed at dismantling such unscrupulous trade networks. Resources must be allocated judiciously for ongoing investigations, vigilant surveillance, and enforcement of new, stringent regulations.
It remains crucial for the concerned citizens of Spain to see decisive action taken against those perpetrating these acts of severe animal mistreatment and fraud. Such deeds ought to find no sanctuary; justice must indeed be executed without fail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Soggydan Benenovitch
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