The animals, around 10 weeks old (below the legal minimum of 15) and lacking necessary health requirements, were transferred to a shelter, while the driver was arrested. This intervention is part of an operation against animal trafficking, which has noted an increase in this activity along the Catalan highway.
The Regional Unit for the Environment (URMA) of the Mossos in Girona is investigating organizations involved in these activities. According to URMA chief Toni Martín, mafias can multiply profits tenfold or twentyfold by selling animals, primarily dogs, imported from Eastern European countries.
Previous operations have detected vehicles with numerous puppies in la Jonquera and Santpedor, as well as on a bus from Moldova in Mollet del Vallès, with animals in poor sanitary conditions.
The trafficking rings focus on highly sought-after breeds such as chihuahuas, dachshunds, labradors, or golden retrievers. The price of an animal can increase from 100 euros at the source to 2,000 euros for the final buyer, making it a "very profitable" business, according to Martín.
The lack of health controls can lead to the death of some animals and the transmission of diseases to buyers who believe they are purchasing a guaranteed healthy animal.
The most significant operation was 'Bitxet' in October 2023, which dismantled an illegal pet import network, resulting in thirteen arrests and the rescue of over 400 dogs and cats. One of the implicated shops was located on Castillejos street in Barcelona.
