There is a possibility that Spanish dogs and cats have been used in the production of meatballs and the food safety body NVWA is investigating links with a meat trader in Amsterdam, the Telegraaf reports on Thursday.

According to reports from a Spanish dogs’ home owner, a company has been collecting dead dogs and cats from people’s homes and the bodies have been disappearing without trace, says RTL news.

The Guardia Civil, which is investigating the case, says it suspects dog and cat meat is being used in animal feed and possibly in meatballs, reports the Telegraaf.

The Spanish police force has linked its investigation to a recently closed meat trader in Amsterdam.

There has been no comment from the NVWA.