During a daily patrol, the police detected an abnormal number of vehicles near a farm and, as they approached the site, they found that there was clandestine slaughtering operatoni of sheep and goats, which were intended for sale for public consumption, without any quality control, putting potential consumers at risk.

The police found that more than 30 animals had already been slaughtered, and at the place of slaughter neither animal health nor animal slaughter standards were being respected, particularly when it came to animal welfare.

In addition, the correct routing of remains and by-products not intended for human consumption was not being ensured and means were deployed through the Municipal Veterinary Medical Office of the Food and Economic Safety Authority (ASAE) to correct treatment and referral of these animal remains, some already in an advanced state of decay.

During the operation, several objects were seized for the slaughter and cutting of the animals, highlighting an electric saw and 11 knives. Eleven live animals that were destined for illegal slaughter were rescued and 15 meat buyers were found at the scene.

The owner of the farm, a former owner of a butcher in the town of Pêro Pinheiro, was constituted as a defendant and the case has been referred to the Sintra Court.