Two hunters accused of animal abuse towards 30 dogs in the town of Puebla de la Reina (Badajoz, Spain) have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to 20 months in prison and 6 years and 8 months of disqualification each.
The El Refugio animal shelter, acting as an accusation, reported that both admitted their guilt in the trial held in the Court of Penalties number 2 in Mérida.
Details of the animal abuse sentence
The hunters were convicted of a continuous animal abuse crime resulting in death, receiving a sentence of twelve months in prison, in addition to three years and ten months of disqualification for animal ownership.
They were also convicted of an animal abuse crime with a sentence of eight months in prison and two years and ten months of disqualification.
Prosecution and El Refugio requests
The Prosecution requested 37.5 years in prison for these events that occurred in 2020, while El Refugio requested 85 years. According to the shelter, 25 of the dogs allegedly died due to not receiving mandatory maintenance and health care.
The president of El Refugio, Nacho Paunero, expressed his outrage and requested the definitive closure of the facilities and the confiscation of the surviving animals.
The intervention of the Nature Protection Service (Seprona) of the Civil Guard allowed the rescue of five dogs in deplorable health conditions. Before the trial, the shelter displayed a banner in front of the Court, an event attended by its president.
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