Several cats from a managed colony in Jaen have been found injured with pellet wounds, sparking outrage among residents and animal welfare groups.
Local Isabel Carmona has shared X-ray images showing pellets lodged inside the animals’ bodies, claiming the injuries are the result of deliberate shootings carried out within the limits of Sabiote.
‘The issue is not just animal cruelty, someone is firing shots inside a village,’ Carmona said. ‘There’s no hunting ground anywhere near here.’
In a video circulating online, Carmona displays veterinary reports and radiographs that appear to show metallic pellets inside several cats.
One of the most serious cases involves a cat that may have suffered spinal damage. The animal is due to see a specialist to assess whether rehabilitation could allow it to regain basic bodily functions.
‘They gave me the tip-off but didn’t pick the cat up. It took me 15 minutes to get there and we still couldn’t find him. We spent a week searching,’ she said.
Carmona alleges the abuse has been systematic.
‘I’ve been feeding cat colonies since 2016. In two or three years, they’ve all disappeared,’ she added.
Following the video’s release, Carmona claims several residents independently named the same individual as a possible suspect.
‘Four or five people who hadn’t spoken to each other gave me the same name and surname,’ she told Jaen Hoy.
However, she stressed that the matter will now proceed legally. She is working with PACMA and the Foundation for Legal Advice and Action in Defence of Animals to file a formal complaint.
Charges could include serious injury to animals or animal death, depending on veterinary findings.
Residents are reportedly reluctant to speak openly.
‘Small town, big hell,’ Carmona said, describing the fear of confrontation in a tight-knit community.
She also recalled a previous incident months ago when puppies were allegedly thrown into a rubbish container, in a case that was investigated by the Guardia Civil and led to charges.
Sabiote’s mayor, Luis Miguel Lopez, confirmed the council is aware of the situation.
‘We condemn any type of animal abuse,’ he said, adding that the municipality participates in a CER (Capture, Neuter, Return) programme with a veterinary clinic in nearby Úbeda to manage feral cat colonies.
However, Lopez acknowledged the issue remains controversial.
‘It’s difficult for some people to understand that animals also need care,’ he said, confirming the incident will be formally reported.
‘If someone doesn’t like animals, they should at least respect them,’ he added.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether a formal criminal investigation has been launched.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
