280 pedigree dogs, including 60 puppies, have been rescued from an illegal dog breeding facility in Cogollos Vega (Granada). 98 of the dogs were found crammed into 50 metal cages while the rest were found chained up in an adjacent warehouse.

A source close to the investigation has revealed that only 50 of the dogs had been micro-chipped and that the accompanying paperwork was available for just 30 of these.

One of the chipped dogs, a Yorkshire terrier, has since been reunited with its owners, who reported it missing two years ago.

There was also evidence that non-prescription drugs had been used to vaccinate the animals and of unhygienic manipulation of veterinary supplies such as syringes and gauze.

An Argentinian woman employed at the facility was found to be working illegally, and the owner, who has been arrested, lacked the appropriate breeding licence.