Spanish police said on Saturday they had made an arrest after finding 250 dead animals, mostly dogs, in a squalid warehouse dubbed “the breeding ground of horror” by local media.
The said the Civil Guard the illegal site in the northwestern village of Meson do Vento had “extremely poor” hygiene and animal welfare conditions, with cages “completely covered in feces”.
The dead animals, including 28 chihuahuas and birds, were “in various stages of decomposition, some even mummified,” police said in a statement.
Spanish Guardia Civil
The Guardia Civil rescued 171 other animals, including exotic and protected bird species such as macaws and cockatoos, which were found in life-threatening condition.
The survivors fed on the dead animals due to the lack of food and water, authorities said.
The police have released images of officers who care for the rescued animals. The surviving animals were “relocated to appropriate centers for their recovery and welfare,” police said.
The site manager was arrested on charges of animal cruelty, illegal possession of protected species and unqualified veterinary practice.
Spanish Guardia Civil 
The Civil Guard also said authorities had found a large stock of professional veterinary medicines and supplies that were not prescribed and largely expired.
In recent months, Spanish authorities have uncovered illegal animal smuggling rings. In August, two men were found with more than 150 exotic animals at an illegal pet store in the town of Nules. In April, Agents dismantled an online trading operation in big cats, including white tigers, lynxes and pumas, in the Balearic Islands.
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