In a mega-control operation, provincial authorities detected a serious case of animal abuse in Aconcagua, Mendoza. After a thorough inspection of 300 specimens, it was determined that a crime had been committed.
As a result, about 70 mules were confiscated and transferred to veterinary care, with two people being detained.
The registration was carried out in the Aconcagua Provincial Park, Puente de Inca, Punta de Vacas, Plaza de Mulas Confluencia, Casa de Piedra, Plaza Argentina, and Pampa de Leñas.
Animal abuse in Aconcagua: how the operation unfolded with a drone
In a joint effort between Protected Areas of the Ministry of Energy and Environment and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, inspections were conducted in Aconcagua and surrounding areas.
The institutions intervened following a series of complaints from park rangers of the Directorate of Protected Areas of the Ministry of Energy and Environment.
This was compounded by the death of a mule near the Casa de Piedra campsite in the Aconcagua Provincial Park in December.
The investigation was led by prosecutor Gabriel Blanco, with the assistance of deputy prosecutor Paula Bacco. The use of a drone or “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle” was crucial for the investigation, facilitating inspections and covering a larger area.
In total, 300 mules were inspected, with 70 found to be in a concerning state of health: with severe wounds, malnutrition, and other conditions that jeopardize their well-being.
Additionally, one of the animals had chemical burns on its skin from carrying a car battery.
Therefore, authorities focused on the companies providing services in the area. They use approximately 800 animals to transport loads up to 5,000 meters high.
Two individuals were arrested for animal abuse, and the mules were transferred for veterinary care.
The operation involved coordinated efforts from personnel of the Ministry of Energy and Environment’s Protected Areas, Mendoza Police (General Directorate of Investigations and VANT Division), prosecutor Gabriel Blanco, and personnel from the Veterinary College.
Transport companies with animals under scrutiny
Since last year, animals have been equipped with a chip for monitoring purposes.
Now, the government will intensify monitoring by requesting daily reports from companies to oversee the utilization of these animals.
One of the identified issues is that some muleteers bring mules through unauthorized routes, and furthermore, some companies overload the animals that perform better, know the route better, and do not release those kept in reserve from the corrals.
The mules showed severe signs of abuse.
The Director of Protected Areas, Iván Funes Pinter, remains in the High Mountain area and confirmed that more inspections will be conducted. It is not ruled out that more reports will be issued by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, leading to more mules being rejected for recovery.
Arrests and sanctions
The arrested muleteers face charges for violating Law 22,421 and animal abuse. Authorities indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine responsibilities and to “apply exemplary sanctions,”.
Meanwhile, operations in the Aconcagua Park will continue as park rangers report any irregularities, and Protected Areas file the corresponding complaints.
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