Consternation in the port of Palma after the discovery of 27 dead hunting dogs inside a van located in the hold of a ferry arriving from Barcelona. On Saturday morning, when the vehicle was opened, emergency protocols were immediately activated.
There were 36 dogs traveling in the transfer; Only nine were found aliveSome were found in a semi-conscious state with signs consistent with asphyxiation. The Civil Guard, through its Seprona unit, has taken over the investigation and is awaiting the results of the autopsies.
What is known about the trip and the discovery?
The animals belonged to several hunters from Mallorca who had been in the area days before. Lithuania to train their dogs for the woodcock hunting season. According to sources close to the case, many were young dogs still in the learning process.
For the return trip, a specialized company was hired. We Travel HomeThe company, based in Catalonia, looked after the dogs during the road trip to Barcelona. That leg of the journey went smoothly and without any notable incidents.
In Barcelona, ​​the van with the animals boarded the ship's hold bound for Palma, following the established procedure for this type of transfer. Upon arrival in the Balearic capital, around 10:00The transport managers opened the vehicle and were met with the dramatic situation.
The shipping company and the Civil Guard were immediately notified, and Seprona agents were deployed to secure the area and begin the investigation. The nine survivors They received veterinary care at the port itself.
Ongoing investigation and possible causes
Seprona has started the taking statements The inspection will include questions to the driver, company representatives, and owners, as well as a review of the vehicle's technical condition and equipment. Compliance with applicable regulations during transport will also be verified.
Among the initial hypotheses, a possible failure in the cabin ventilation system stands out, which would have caused lack of oxygen and a marked increase in temperature during the sea crossing. For now, this route is not confirmed and other possibilities remain open.
The animals' bodies will be subjected to necropsy to determine the exact cause of death and whether there were contributing factors, such as heat stress or insufficient air circulation. The results will be key to establishing administrative or criminal liability.
At the same time, the agents analyze records, transit times and the status of the vehicle's systems, paying special attention to operation of the aeration system during boarding and the voyage. Any incidents detected will be recorded in the report.
Regulations and debate on the transport of hunting dogs
El transfer in a closed van The use of hunting dogs is permitted, and in fact, current animal welfare regulations exempt this category from some obligations that do apply to other companion animals. This legal framework has been generating debate for some time.
Following the incident, the Balearic Hunting Federation has expressed its support for the landowners and insisted that hunters They would not have direct responsibility. The group expressed deep distress at the incident, having hired a specialized company to ensure safe transport.
For its part, the animal rights party PACMA demands that dogs used for hunting be fully include them in the animal welfare law and in transport standards, with stricter controls and minimum guarantees of ventilation, rest, and safety. It also calls for accountability.
Testimonies and the impact on the hunting field
Owners consulted admit to be desolateSome have lost several of their best dogs after years of work and training. One of them described the situation as a devastating blow to the group.
Trips to Lithuania are common because of the Training conditions for the woodcockand combine road sections with maritime links to Mallorca. The complex logistics require meticulous planning and suitable transport equipment.
From the hunters' circle, it is suggested that possible negligence The company responsible for the transfer has not yet offered a detailed public account of what happened, a claim that will need to be corroborated or refuted by the official investigation.
Next steps in the investigation
The Civil Guard awaits the veterinary reports And, with this information, a report will be prepared to determine any potential infractions or crimes. In parallel, operational improvements for shipping companies, carriers, and owners will be evaluated to reduce risks on similar routes.
The findings could guide changes in ventilation protocolsTemperature monitoring and supervision during boarding, especially on overnight or multi-hour journeys. Any updates will be coordinated with the relevant authorities.
Until the results are known, the focus remains on Strengthening animal welfare in transportharmonizing requirements and closing any loopholes that could affect hunting dogs. The goal is to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
The case leaves 27 dogs dead, nine survivors and a clamor for clear answers; while awaiting the necropsies and the Seprona report, all eyes are on the conditions of the transfer and the need to review how these animals are transported in Spain.