The Civil Guard in Spain has arrested a couple suspected of selling rare exotic cats online, including white tigers and pumas. Their activities are tied to a broader criminal organization involved in the illegal wildlife trade across Europe.
Spanish Authorities Bust Couple for Illegal Exotic Cat Breeding
Spanish Authorities Bust Couple for Illegal Exotic Cat Breeding
A couple in Majorca has been arrested for breeding and selling exotic and protected cat species, revealing a larger global trafficking network.
Spanish authorities have made a significant arrest in Majorca, apprehending a couple for allegedly breeding and selling exotic cats, including protected species such as white tigers and pumas. The Guardia Civil conducted a raid on their residence after investigating online sales connected to a larger international trafficking organization, which indicated a growing trend of wildlife crime in Europe.
The raid uncovered 19 exotic felines, such as a caracal, two servals, and 16 hybrid species, which were rescued by the authorities. The Civil Guard described the operation as only "the tip of the iceberg" of a more extensive network that involves breeders, transporters, and veterinarians from multiple countries.
Authorities disclosed that many of the animals bred by the couple were smuggled into the European Union from nations like Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, often crossing via Poland's border. The couple's social media presence was noted to be particularly active, facilitating international transactions for these exotic animals.
In addition to the felines seized, they were also found to have advertised other species online, such as hyenas and desert lynxes. A clouded leopard, which typically commands a price of €60,000 ($68,000), was also part of their online offerings.
This arrest is part of a broader investigative operation that has been ongoing since March, with one additional individual under scrutiny for selling various exotic species over the internet. Following their rescue, the cats were relocated to the Son Servera Safari Zoo in Majorca before being moved to a dedicated rescue center near Alicante.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) warns that Europe has become a central hub for the illegal wildlife trade. The escalating demand for exotic cats, now frequently showcased on social media as symbols of luxury and status, raises significant concerns regarding animal welfare and public safety. These animals, which require special care and ample space, can be extremely dangerous, leading many irresponsible owners to abandon them.
