Surge in Illegal Animal Trafficking on AP-7

The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police, have detected a significant increase in animal trafficking through the AP-7 motorway, a major route into Spain from France. Officers have seized dozens of puppies smuggled from Eastern Europe, often in poor conditions and without required health documentation. In one operation in Girona, a refrigerated van was stopped carrying 14 puppies of breeds including cavapoo, cavalier, maltipoo and teckel. The animals had come from Slovakia and were being transported to a non-existent zoo in Empordà. At just 10 weeks old, they were below the legal minimum age of 15 weeks for import.

Profit-Driven Smuggling Rings

The Regional Unit for the Environment (URMA) in Girona leads efforts to dismantle these criminal networks. URMA head Toni Martín said gangs often buy puppies in Eastern Europe for around €100 each, sell them to intermediaries for €500, and they are eventually sold to buyers in Spain for up to €2,000. These operations are highly profitable, with criminal groups multiplying their earnings by ten or twenty times. Most of the animals involved are high-demand breeds such as chihuahua, teckel, labrador and golden retriever.

Health and Welfare Risks

Police warn that many of the smuggled animals arrive without health checks and may carry diseases from their countries of origin. Some do not survive the journey.

If the animal survives the trip, the business continues. That’s why it’s growing.

Toni Martín, head of URMA Girona, told ACN that the lack of veterinary oversight means new owners may not realise their pet is unwell until days after purchase. Earlier operations have led to arrests and reports against multiple suspects. In La Jonquera, a vehicle from Eastern Europe was followed to Santpedor, where 33 puppies were found in the car and 23 more at a zoological centre. Six people were reported. Another case in Mollet del Vallès uncovered poodles and yorkshires in overcrowded cages on a bus from Moldova. The AP-7 is considered a critical entry point due to its proximity to the French border. The Mossos continue targeted operations to intercept illegal shipments and disrupt trafficking networks.

Primary sources: ${rpb.dspace.name}. Reported by diaridegirona.cat, ACN, C.M, Lucas Martorell, policia.es.