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Hidden herd of 29 sheep and goats seized from San Miguel de Salinas farm
None of the animals concealed on the Alicante property had ever seen a vet
A flock of 29 sheep and goats has been seized by the Guardia Civil after being found hidden on a farm in San Miguel de Salinas. None of the animals had identification tags, paperwork or any record of veterinary checks, and they've now been placed in the hands of the health authorities, who'll decide what happens to them next.
Officers from SEPRONA, the Guardia Civil's nature protection unit based in Guardamar, made the discovery while carrying out one of their regular checks on agricultural and livestock properties in the area. While inspecting a farm building, they came across a fenced pen tucked away among the trees and undergrowth on the land. Inside were seven adult sheep, thirteen goats and nine kids.
The man responsible for the animals told officers he was keeping them for personal use, but he wasn't able to produce any paperwork showing where they'd come from or confirming their health status. As a result, the Guardia Civil brought in the official vet from the Regional Agricultural Office, who ordered the animals to be held on the property as a precaution until the relevant authorities decide what action to take.
Officials say the absence of identification and veterinary care makes it impossible to track the animals' origins or confirm their health, which matters both for animal welfare and for food safety more broadly. Under current rules, livestock farms need to be registered, and individual animals, sheep and goats included, must be properly identified.
For now, the 29 animals will stay on the farm while Alicante's Territorial Services for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Environment look into the case. Under the Valencian Community's Livestock Law, penalties range from €3,001 to €60,000 for serious breaches, rising to between €60,001 and €1.2 million for the most serious cases, depending on how the offence is classified.
The Guardia Civil has pointed out that inspections like this one are carried out on a routine basis, forming part of ongoing efforts to enforce health regulations and protect food safety for consumers.
Image: Guardia Civil
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