Target: Juan José Pereña Muñoz, Fiscal (Prosecutor) of the Provincial Court of Salamanca, Spain
Goal: Ensure the full criminal investigation and prosecution of the farmer allegedly responsible for the deaths of at least 60 sheep and lambs found in states of decomposition across two properties, with hundreds of registered animals unaccounted for.
When Guardia Civil officers investigating a complaint in January reportedly found sheep carcasses in advanced decomposition on a roadside, a subsequent inspection of two livestock properties owned by the same 43-year-old farmer revealed conditions of alleged abandonment and cruelty on a devastating scale. At least 60 sheep and lambs were allegedly found dead — in various states of decomposition — alongside skeletal remains, scattered bones, and hides. Out of 568 animals officially registered at the properties, it is alleged that only 260 were found alive — meaning 308 registered animals were unaccounted for.
The surviving animals were reportedly found in deficient sanitary and feeding conditions, with some described as ill, trapped in fencing, or in agony. Officers also reportedly found evidence of attempts to burn animal remains. Investigators from the Guardia Civil’s SEPRONA nature protection unit, alongside veterinarians from the regional agriculture authority, confirmed the animals appeared to have been in a state of prolonged abandonment.
Spanish animal protection law prohibits the abandonment and mistreatment of animals, and the Salamanca Prosecutor’s Office must pursue this case with the full criminal force available. Sign this petition to demand accountability for the deaths of at least 60 animals and the alleged suffering of hundreds more.
PETITION LETTER:
Fiscal Juan José Pereña Muñoz,
We are writing to urge your office to pursue the maximum criminal penalties available under Spanish law against the 43-year-old farmer under investigation by the Guardia Civil’s SEPRONA unit following the alleged discovery of at least 60 dead sheep and lambs across two livestock properties, with 308 of 568 registered animals unaccounted for. Surviving animals were reportedly found in deficient sanitary and feeding conditions, with some ill, trapped in fencing, or in agony. Officers also reportedly found evidence of attempts to burn animal remains — suggesting a purported effort to conceal the scale of the deaths. Investigators have confirmed the conditions pointed to prolonged abandonment of the animals.
We respectfully but firmly demand that your office pursue this investigation and prosecution with the full seriousness it demands, including pursuing accountability for every animal allegedly killed or allowed to die through neglect. The 60 animals reportedly found dead, and the hundreds more unaccounted for, had no means of seeking help — it is now the justice system’s responsibility to speak for them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit:
Excerpt: Fernando García
