Thirteen people linked to the illegal animal trade have been arrested. The gang members had abused dogs and cats and then sold them for profit.

The smugglers were apprehended by Spanish officers. The gang members are accused of illegally importing animals to Spain from Eastern Europe via Andorra. As reported by bbc.com, the suspects have also heard charges of document forgery, fraud, money laundering and animal abuse.

Officers rescued more than 400 animals, mostly dogs and cats. They had been kept in cramped, unhygienic cages where they had to sit for the duration of the journey. The animals found were frightened, emaciated and uncared for.

Spanish authorities reported on Wednesday 18 October that some of the rescued animals appeared to be pedigree animals with a high market value. They were likely to have been illegally purchased over the internet. Others were bred at sites run by the suspects, where females were used to give birth to as many offspring as possible, with no regard for their health.

"The criminal organisation included a veterinarian who provided her knowledge and signature in order to give an image of sufficient reliability with which to guarantee that the animals sold were in good condition," reads the Spanish police statement.

Source: bbc.com