Man caught attempting to poison cat colony in Murcia
Police intervened after the suspect was caught on video pouring corrosive liquid into a feline feeding area
The Guardia Civil of the Region of Murcia has taken action against a local resident accused of attempting to poison a legally protected cat colony in the heart of Murcia. The intervention was part of ‘Operation Antifel’, launched in response to reports of suspected animal abuse in the area.Last week, concerned citizens alerted authorities to possible foul play at a feline colony authorised by Murcia city council. Reports suggested that a corrosive substance had been poured around the area where the cats’ food and water were placed, putting the animals at risk of severe burns and other serious harm.
In response, the Guardia Civil’s Nature Protection Service (Seprona) began discreet night-time surveillance of the site. It was during one of these operations that they observed a suspect pouring liquid from a bottle into the cats’ water container. Upon being confronted, the individual claimed he had been using the substance to deter pigeons from scavenging the leftover food meant for the cats.
Police immediately confiscated the bottle, which was found to contain Salfumán, also known as Aqua Fortis, a highly corrosive household cleaner composed of 24% hydrochloric acid. This substance is extremely dangerous if ingested and can cause severe injuries upon contact.Although no harm to the cats has been confirmed so far, the individual has been charged with an attempted crime against animals.
It comes just days after a driver was stopped in San Javier for pulling a donkey and cart behind his car through the middle of the town. That man is also being investigated by the Guardia Civil for animal abuse.
Severe penalties for animal abuse
Crimes against animals in Spain fall under Article 340 of the Criminal Code, carrying potential penalties of three to eighteen months in prison, fines ranging from six to twelve months’ salary, and disqualification from working with animals.
Additionally, under the Animal Rights and Welfare Law 7/2023, such offences are classified as ‘very serious infractions,’ with fines ranging from €50,001 to €200,000, depending on the severity of the case.
This law also regulates the management of feline colonies, ensuring they are properly registered, fed, and subjected to controlled sterilisation programmes under the Capture, Neuter, and Return (CER) system.
Raising awareness and reporting animal abuse
Since 2017, the Civil Guard has been actively promoting its #YoSiPuedoContarlo (Yes, I Can Speak Up) campaign to encourage public awareness and reporting of animal cruelty. Over the years, authorities have noted an increase in citizen participation, not only in formal complaints but also through engagement on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
The campaign stresses the responsibility that comes with pet ownership and reminds the public that animal cruelty is a punishable crime. Those who witness abuse or neglect are urged to report it by calling 062, emailing seprona@guardiacivil.org, or contacting the authorities via their social media channels.
Images: Guardia Civil
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