An animal cruelty investigation in Cadiz has seen 18 people probed after dozens of animals were found living in appalling conditions – many chained up, starving and left to suffer in the open.

In total, 75 dogs, along with a donkey and a mare, were rescued across a string of towns including Ubrique, Grazalema and Villamartín, following a major operation led by the Guardia Civil’s SEPRONA unit.

Officers uncovered makeshift enclosures described as ‘uninhabitable’, where animals were tied to trees and even rusted barrels, exposed to the elements with little or no food, water or veterinary care.

Authorities say more than 22 suspected cases of animal abuse and abandonment have now been identified.

The investigation was sparked by concerned locals, whose tip-offs proved crucial in launching the operation.

Guardia Civil officers quickly moved in, opening multiple lines of inquiry to prevent further suffering and save the animals.

The scale of neglect was staggering, the force said in a press release.

Officials have issued around 80 administrative sanctions, mostly linked to serious breaches of animal welfare laws, including lack of food and water, poor hygiene, inadequate shelter and failure to provide veterinary treatment.

Veterinary teams from regional agricultural offices and local authorities were brought in to assess the animals, many of which have now been transferred to authorised animal protection centres under the supervision of environmental prosecutors.

All case files have been sent to courts in Ubrique and Arcos de la Frontera, where legal proceedings are now expected.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.