A shocking case of animal cruelty has rocked the Murcia region. The Guardia Civil has identified and charged the owner of a donkey in Moratalla, who is accused of tying his animal to the hitch of a vehicle and dragging it half a kilometer down the road. The animal suffered severe injuries. This case once again highlights the importance of animal welfare in Spain and the consistent prosecution of such crimes by the authorities.
Operation Fricci: Guardia Civil Investigates Thanks to Public Cooperation
The investigation, codenamed “Operation Fricci,” was initiated thanks to the vigilant cooperation with the public. Several residents of Moratalla alerted authorities after witnessing a donkey tied to the hitch of an SUV and dragged for a considerable distance. The reported severe injuries to the animal prompted specialists from the Guardia Civil’s Nature Protection Service (Seprona) to immediately begin investigations.
The public’s tips were crucial to the operation’s success. They allowed the Guardia Civil to reconstruct the incident: The donkey, which had been roaming freely for several days, was tied to the vehicle and dragged approximately 500 meters down a road in Moratalla. This caused bleeding wounds and massive abrasions.
Horrific Discovery: Injured Donkey Abandoned
After the brutal act, the owner apparently abandoned the injured donkey tied to a tree on a farm near a residential area. Residents reported hearing the animal cry heartbreakingly throughout the night. Officers from the Seprona patrol then went to the specified location. Although they initially could not immediately locate the donkey, they discovered a trail of blood on the road stretching for about half a kilometer and leading to the farm – a disturbing proof of the animal’s suffering.
Shortly thereafter, the person responsible for the animal was located. During the inspection of the donkey by investigators, the horrific extent of the injuries became apparent: The animal had open wounds and skin loss on its entire left side, on its legs, and on its left eye. These injuries were clearly due to friction with the asphalt during the dragging.
Consequences for the Animal Abuser: A Crime with Far-Reaching Implications
The Guardia Civil immediately instructed the donkey’s owner to seek veterinary care for the animal. After securing all necessary evidence, the owner of the injured donkey was officially charged as the alleged perpetrator of a crime against animals.
In this context, the Guardia Civil refers to Article 340 of the current Spanish Penal Code. Animal cruelty can be punished with prison sentences of three to eighteen months or a fine of six to twelve months. In addition, an exclusion from practicing a profession, trade, or activity involving the possession or care of animals may be imposed. This case sends a clear signal: animal suffering will not be tolerated in Spain and will be consistently prosecuted under criminal law.
