Spanish police rescue neglected animals during Cannabis plantation raid

Thursday 02 July 2026 - 15:42

By: Sahili Aya

Spanish police rescue neglected animals during Cannabis plantation raid

Spanish police have rescued more than 20 neglected animals during a raid on an illegal cannabis plantation in central Spain, where investigators also discovered the remains of several dead animals in advanced stages of decomposition.

The operation, carried out in the municipality of Malagón, in the Castilla-La Mancha region, has led to an investigation into suspected animal cruelty alongside alleged drug-related offenses.

Exotic and farm animals found in poor conditions

During the June 30 operation, officers found 22 live animals living in what authorities described as extremely poor hygienic and sanitary conditions.

The rescued animals included three wallabies, two roe deer, three calves and fourteen dogs. Police said the animals were being kept in an environment where proper care and welfare standards were not being met.

Wallabies, marsupials native to Australia and closely related to kangaroos, are uncommon animals to find in private properties in Spain.

Dead animals discovered on the property

Investigators also found the carcasses of multiple animals, including a calf, three roe deer, two dogs and hundreds of chickens.

According to police, the dogs were being fed with the dead chickens, while the decomposing remains of several animals were found throughout the property.

Authorities described the conditions as particularly severe because live animals were housed alongside the decomposing carcasses.

Investigation began with suspected cannabis cultivation

The police operation was initially launched following information suggesting that a large-scale illegal cannabis plantation was operating at the property.

As officers searched the site, they uncovered evidence that prompted a parallel investigation into possible animal abuse and welfare violations.

According to authorities, the animals were living in the garden of the property, where the owners' minor children were also present.

The investigation remains ongoing as police continue examining both the suspected drug cultivation activities and the treatment of the animals found during the raid.