The Policía Nacional have rescued over 100 animals, mostly puppies of various breeds, in the possession of a nationwide set-up to sell them.

Eight people were arrested in Madrid and Gerona and now face charges of fraud, animal cruelty, forging official documents and belonging to a criminal organisation.

In one of the premises searches, skeletal remains were found as well as drugs for carrying out euthanasia.

Confiscated items include veterinary passports & records for animals, medical prescription books, official veterinary stamps and other medication. The police have also blocked four, bank accounts used by the gang.

The police had received a tip off about a criminal organisation that imported pups from Eastern Europe, which once in Spain were sold, accompanied by forged veterinary documentation.

Police investigation discovered that the animals came from breeding farms in Slovakia and Hungary. The puppies endured a 15-hour journey in cramped conditions, many arriving sick. Once here, they were kept in crowded, unsanitary conditions until they were sold or died from their ailments. They were sold using a webpage.

Over the last six months it is calculated that over 500 puppies went through ‘the system.’

(News/Noticias: Spain)