Shelter director charged-destroying 2,230 pets
Torremolinos (malaga), AN (ES)

Incident Date: Monday, Nov 1, 2010

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Carmen Marín

The directors of the Association for the Defense and Protection of Animals 'Parque Animal' of
Service investigators of Nature Protection (Seprona) wing of the Civil Guard were able to verify that these facilities allegedly carried out "mass slaughter" of up to fifty dogs and cats at a time, and not via intravenous injection but a much quicker but crueler subcutaneous injection, which would have prolonged their agony, according to sources close to the case.

In fact, the agents involved surveyed the site three weeks ago whilst undercover, and found about 50 dogs who apparently had just been slaughtered. Seprona Criminology are analyzing twenty corpses to confirm the product used and the manner in which death occurred.

The officers have located through microchip identification the owners of some of the animals, who have stated that those responsible for protecting them had reported that their dog had been adopted by another family, when in fact he had been put down.

"She is evil" said one distraught animal owner. "Due to ill health I was forced to give my pet up for adoption, and she [the director] assured me my beloved dog had been found a lovely home with a new family. I even paid her the transfer fee [believed to be about €60]. Now I know he was cruelly executed and dumped in a mass grave".

Complaint from a witness started investigation

Mass culling of animals were carried out between last year and this, and a veterinarian who conducted business with the association denounced them last June, which resulted in the involvement of Seprona.

The Civil Guard said in a statement that the director of the shelter, Carmen Marín, is charged with four counts more, including professional intrusion, by injecting the animals with a euthanasia product when she had no permission or training to use it, and misappropriation of property, by not returning animals hosted with the adoption centre.

Se also is accused of the crimes of forgery, for allegedly forging the signature of veterinarians and impersonating the signature of a vetinary surgeon, and forging official seals on the lists of animals slaughtered and incinerated requested by the City of Torremolinos, and one count of criminal fraud.

The manager, F. B. G., is also accused of abuse and professional intrusion, for helping Carmen with her activities.

Agents coordinated with the Office of Environment and ordered a third man to be arrested, V. A. C. V., the veterinarian at the institution, who is charged with forgery.

Police say the director of the animal shelter forged a vets signature on official blank prescription pads to purchase the drugs. However, the veterinary professional involved was not even known by the director on that date and was hired months later.

As for the crime of fraud, that comes from the alleged breach of the conditions required by the council, and that management routinely charged 60 euros in fees to those who surrendered animals to help in "rehoming them".

Earlier this month, the director filed a complaint that accused the veterinarian and a helper of sacrificing animals, but according to the Civil Guard at the time of these alleged crimes, the vet was in a police station giving evidence to the instructors, and police believe the complaint was simply an attempt to divert attention once she realised police were investigating her shelter.

An important institution in Torremolinos

Husband and wife Carmen Marín and Manuel López set up the animal shelter in 1996, which today has over 900 signed up members of its foundation. It's webpage, which states "like you, animals have a right to life" does not mention the arrests.

References

• - Nov 13, 2010

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