Judge Investigates After 32 Cats Killed During Municipal Site Clearing

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A shocking case of mass animal poisoning has prompted a judicial investigation in Alicante. Thirty-two cats were found dead on municipal land in Calle Miguel Jimenez Reyes after contractors began clearing the site in November 2013. The Benalua district court is examining how a routine municipal cleaning job turned into a massacre of innocent animals. 

Witnesses reported seeing workers not only poisoning the cats but also beating and drowning them. Multiple residents and the Asoka El Grande association filed formal complaints as the death toll mounted over four days. This horrific incident raises serious questions about oversight of municipal contractors and the protection of urban wildlife during development projects.

Discovery of Cats Killed at Municipal Site

Shallow Focus Photo of Orange Tabby Cat

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The tragedy unfolded between November 11 and 14 when workers arrived to clear the municipal plot. Local residents who regularly fed the cat colony noticed something was terribly wrong. Dead cats began appearing across the site.

Initially, a few bodies were discovered. However, the death toll quickly escalated to 32 confirmed fatalities. Some cats died immediately from poison, while others suffered lingering deaths. Even cats rushed to veterinary clinics couldn’t be saved.

The timing wasn’t coincidental. The deaths began precisely when clearing work started. This direct connection between the workers’ arrival and the mass poisoning became central to the investigation. Witnesses documented everything they saw.

Three private citizens joined forces with Asoka El Grande association to file complaints. Their quick action ensured proper documentation of the incident. This citizen response proved crucial for launching the judicial investigation.

Witness Accounts and Contractor Chain

Disturbing witness testimonies paint a picture of deliberate cruelty. Multiple residents reported seeing workers beating poisoned cats. These accounts suggest workers wanted to speed up the dying process. Such actions go beyond simple poisoning to active violence.

One particularly horrific account described a worker drowning a cat. The animal was allegedly held under water that locals had provided for the colony. This drinking station, meant to help cats, became an instrument of death.

The contracting chain reveals potential accountability issues. Alicante council hired UTE Alicante for the clearing job. However, UTE Alicante then subcontracted to another unnamed firm. This subcontracting arrangement complicates determining responsibility.

Each level of contracting potentially dilutes oversight and accountability. The council may not have known about subcontracting arrangements. This case highlights risks when municipal work gets passed through multiple companies.

Legal Investigation into Cats Killed

Orange Tabby Cat

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The Benalua district court judge ordered comprehensive post-mortems on all deceased cats. These examinations will provide scientific evidence of poisoning. Veterinarians already believe poison caused the deaths, but legal proof is essential.

The investigation must determine who authorized the poisoning. Did workers act independently or follow orders? Was this company policy or individual cruelty? These questions will shape potential criminal charges.

Spanish law treats animal cruelty as a serious offense. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment. The scale of this incident, involving 32 cats killed, could warrant significant punishment.

Municipal liability also requires examination. The council hired contractors who allegedly committed these acts. This relationship might create legal responsibility for the municipality itself.

Preventing Future Tragedies

This case exposes critical gaps in protecting urban wildlife during development. Cat colonies exist throughout Spanish cities. Clear protocols must govern how contractors handle animals during site work.

Municipalities need better oversight of contractors and subcontractors. Regular inspections during projects could prevent such tragedies. Workers should receive training on humane animal handling.

Community involvement proved vital in exposing this crime. Residents who fed the cats noticed the deaths immediately. Their vigilance and willingness to report created accountability.

The 32 cats killed in Alicante deserve justice. Their deaths must lead to meaningful changes protecting urban animals from similar fates.

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