Spanish Civil Guard has apprehended a couple on Majorca for allegedly breeding and selling endangered cats, revealing a larger smuggling operation trafficked worldwide.
Couple Faces Arrest in Exotic Cat Breeding Scandal in Spain
Couple Faces Arrest in Exotic Cat Breeding Scandal in Spain
Spanish authorities uncover illegal breeding operation linked to global wildlife trafficking network.
In a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking, Spanish authorities arrested a couple who were reportedly breeding and selling exotic cats, including endangered species like white tigers, pumas, and clouded leopards. The Civil Guard executed a raid on their property in Majorca, uncovering 19 exotic felines, including a caracal, two servals, and 16 hybrid breeds.
Law enforcement officials stated that the couple's actions were part of a broader international trafficking scheme involving various breeders, transporters, and veterinary professionals. Reports indicate that most of the animals were illegally imported from countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, crossing into the European Union through Poland and distributed with counterfeit documentation.
The couple's online presence was notably active, attracting purchasers from various countries interested in acquiring these rare animals. The Civil Guard described the operation as merely "the tip of the iceberg" in a vast criminal enterprise.
With Europe emerging as a key hub for the illegal wildlife trade, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has noted that the black market for exotic animals continues to grow. Alongside big cats, the couple was also found to be advertising other exotic species, including hyenas and desert lynxes, online.
One clouded leopard was listed at a staggering €60,000 (around $68,000), underscoring the high demand for exotic pets viewed as status symbols on social media. Yet, these animals present significant challenges as they require extensive care and can be aggressive, posing risks to public safety, leading many owners to abandon them, as noted by the Spanish Civil Guard.
The seized animals have been temporarily housed at the Son Servera Safari Zoo in Majorca, with plans for their eventual relocation to a rescue facility near Alicante. Concurrently, investigations continue, including scrutiny of another individual suspected of online trafficking of a variety of exotic species.
