A shocking discovery was made when a dead cow was spotted floating in the sea near a beach in Altea. The severely decomposed body was first noticed by a local resident who was out on his jet-ski. He described the experience as surreal, initially mistaking the animal for a large piece of plastic before realising it was a cow. This incident follows a similar case in Torrevieja just days earlier.

Local bathers at La Mata beach reported seeing a large creature in the water on July thirtieth, but it was not until it washed ashore that they identified it as a dead cow. Despite the unsettling findings, no official explanation has been provided for these occurrences. Similar incidents have been noted across Spain in recent years, including in Jávea, El Campello, and Marbella.

Animal rights activists suggest that the animals may have come from livestock export ships, where conditions are often described as horrendous. Such vessels have been known to allow sick animals to be thrown overboard, a practice that is officially prohibited. There have been numerous reports about the appalling treatment of animals on these ships, leading to multiple calls for a ban on live animal exports.

In light of these findings, the Spanish government is reviewing animal welfare legislation, with a vote to be held in the Joint Committees scheduled for October second. Meanwhile, the UK has already implemented a ban on live animal exports as of May 2024. Campaigners continue to push for change, highlighting the suffering endured by animals during long-distance transportation.