A serious theft that took place in the early hours of Tuesday has dealt a severe blow to Granja Cinegética El Plantel, located in the Santa Cruz district of Córdoba, Spain. According to Francisco Montero, the farm’s owner, the criminals stole approximately 1,000 partridges, while also causing significant material damage and the death of at least 80 other birds during the robbery.
The incident took place between 22:00 on Tuesday and 04:00 on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. The perpetrators, who gained access to the premises by cutting through the perimeter fencing, also caused considerable material damage and allowed other animals on the property to escape. According to Montero, the thieves used sacks to transport the birds, which caused more than 80 specimens to die of suffocation and were subsequently abandoned in the surrounding area of the premises.
In addition to the theft of the partridges, the criminals also stole essential equipment, including feed hoppers and around thirty purebred hens. According to initial estimates provided by the owner, the total damage caused by the theft already exceeds 10,000 euros.
This incident not only has a financial impact on the family business, but also puts at risk the livelihoods of five families who are directly dependent on this activity. Montero, visibly distressed, stressed that this is not the first time his farm has suffered a similar attack. The repeat nature of these crimes has raised concern within the local and regional game bird sector.
The theft has been formally reported to the Guardia Civil, specifically at the Luque Command post. The specialist ROCA unit, dedicated to the prevention and investigation of rural theft, is already investigating the case in order to identify, locate and apprehend those responsible.