Alicante dog breeding network dismantled for illegal animal mutilation

Operation Goscan animal cruelty illegal dog mutilation forged veterinary documents Alicante dog breeder

The Guardia Civil has dismantled a criminal network involved in the illegal aesthetic mutilation of dogs, specifically through ear and tail amputations. Under 'Operation Goscan', authorities have arrested 14 individuals and are investigating six others for crimes including animal cruelty, professional intrusion, and document forgery.

The investigation was triggered when an Italian Mastiff was brought to a veterinary clinic in Cáceres. Medical professionals noticed recent amputations and were presented with a certificate claiming the procedures were performed in Russia, where such practices are legal. Subsequent verification with Russian authorities confirmed the document was a forgery.

Evidence led investigators to a dog breeding kennel in Alicante. The network allegedly operated across Spain and maintained international connections, including the export of animals to Mexico. To facilitate the trade, the group provided buyers with forged veterinary documents and instructional videos on how to care for post-operative wounds. Among those arrested is a licensed veterinarian suspected of collaborating with the ring by providing blank, pre-signed official documents.

Entities

Alicante · Cáceres · Guardia Civil · Mexico · Russia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Authorities confirmed that a document claiming the amputations were performed in Russia was forged to evade Spanish regulations. www.lanocion.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.noticiasdenavarra.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The suspects face charges of animal cruelty, professional intrusion, and document forgery. www.lanocion.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.noticiasdenavarra.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The operation resulted in 14 arrests and six additional people under investigation. www.lanocion.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.noticiasdenavarra.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The network had international activity, including the export and sale of animals to Mexico. www.lanocion.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.noticiasdenavarra.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Investigations led authorities to a breeding facility located in Alicante. www.lanocion.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.noticiasdenavarra.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Guardia Civil dismantled a network dedicated to selling dogs subjected to illegal aesthetic ear and tail amputations. www.lanocion.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.noticiasdenavarra.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The investigation began after an Italian Mastiff was admitted to a veterinary hospital in Cáceres. www.lanocion.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.noticiasdenavarra.com