A WOMAN has been arrested after police rescued 61 dogs and cats from ‘appalling’ conditions at her Malaga home.
Officers found 29 dogs and 32 cats at her property in Velez-Malaga, with many suffering from severe malnutrition, dehydration and untreated illnesses.
Some had even been shut inside tiny kitchen cupboards, left in complete darkness.
The shocking discovery came after neighbours complained about constant barking and meowing, as well as a potent stench coming from the house.
The woman, 53, now faces charges of animal abuse, with police also investigating the deaths of several animals.
Investigators say she had been picking up stray and lost animals from the streets, including some with microchips, before taking them to a property belonging to her elderly mother.
But instead of looking after them, she left them without proper food, clean surroundings or medical care, allowing their health to get worse.
When officers raided the property, they found many of the animals were suffering from bloody diarrhoea, hair loss and serious eye problems, while others had contracted diseases including leishmaniasis, parvovirus and giardiasis.
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Several dogs were so weak and dehydrated that they had to be rushed to veterinary hospitals for emergency treatment and help with feeding.
Despite vets’ best efforts, several animals died. An outbreak of the highly contagious parvovirus also spread among the animals.
One of the rescued cats had gone completely blind.
Police are now looking into whether the animals’ prolonged confinement and lack of treatment amounted to aggravated cruelty. Their findings have been passed to the courts.
Investigators are also examining whether the woman may have Noah syndrome, a condition linked to the compulsive hoarding of animals.
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The surviving pets are now being looked after at animal shelters across Malaga province. The local council is covering emergency veterinary bills for the rescued cats.
Police have appealed for families to give the animals a second chance, with cats particularly in need of homes as they are much harder to rehome than dogs.
Anyone interested in adopting one of the rescued animals can call 952 97 16 63. Adoptions are free.
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