The Environmental Department of the Guardia Civil, Seprona, in Cáceres (Extremadura) rescued an Italian Mastiff hound which had mutiliated ears and its tail chopped off.

The animal was the victim of a network of criminals dedicated to the illegal practice of cropping dogs ears and removing their tails, amongst other illicit surgical operations.

As part of police operation, Goscan, they arrested 14 individual and have another six under investigation for cruelty to animals and Unlicensed/Unqualified Practice, as well as document forgery.

The criminal network operated in different areas of Spain and had international contacts for exporting of dogs in Mexico. They supplied the buyers with forged documents and even provided video on how to treat the post-operative injuries caused by amputations.

The police investigation came about after the said Italian mastiff was brought into a veterinary clinic in Cáceres owing to an illness. The vet noticed that the animal had recently operated ears and tail. When he questioned the dog owner, he was offered documents that showed that the operation had been carried out in Russia, where these kinds of mutilations are permitted. Not convinced, he reported his suspicions to the police.

The police consuted with their Russian counterparts which unearthed that the documents were forgeries. This led to tracking down the kennel/dog breeder where the animal belonged. Its owner was arrested. After that the full extent of the network became known.

Amongst the police discoveries was a bona-fide veterinary surgeon who allegedly collaborated with the criminal ring. He reportedly provided them with blank, pre-signed and stamped, dog passports and other official Spanish veterinary documents to be filled in by the breeder.

Editorial comment: off with their ears and let them be thankfully that they don’t get their “tails” cut off as well.

(News: Caceres, Extremadura)

Keywords: Mutilated Ears & Amputated Tails, Vetinary Surgeon, Dog Breeder, Forged Documents, Russia, Mexico, Dog Passports

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