A couple in Majorca has been arrested for breeding and selling exotic cats, shedding light on a larger international trafficking operation.
**Couple Arrested in Majorca for Illegal Exotic Cat Breeding**
**Couple Arrested in Majorca for Illegal Exotic Cat Breeding**
Authorities uncover a major trafficking ring involving multiple endangered species in Spain.
Spanish police have apprehended a couple on the island of Majorca for allegedly breeding and selling exotic cats, including endangered species such as white tigers, pumas, and clouded leopards. The arrests followed a Civil Guard raid at the couple's residence, where law enforcement officials discovered 19 rare felines, including a caracal, two servals, and 16 hybrid cats, all of which were rescued on site.
Authorities have indicated that the couple's illicit activities are likely part of a more extensive global trafficking network involving breeders, transporters, and veterinary professionals. "Most of the animals being offered for sale came from countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, subsequently smuggled into the European Union," detailed the Civil Guard.
The couple's social media accounts had gained significant traction, with numerous international inquiries for these exotic animals being reported. The animals were allegedly transported into the EU via smuggling routes through Poland and were provided with counterfeit documentation for distribution.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has highlighted Europe as a critical hub for the growing illegal wildlife trade. Alongside the exotic cats, the couple had advertised other animals, including hyenas, desert lynxes, and additional pumas.
Among the notable discoveries was a clouded leopard listed for sale at an astonishing price of €60,000 ($68,000). This operation is a continuation of a broader investigation that commenced last March, with another individual already under scrutiny for selling a variety of exotic species online.
For the time being, the rescued animals have been placed in temporary housing at the Son Servera Safari Zoo in Majorca, with plans to relocate them to a rescue center located near Alicante. The Civil Guard reported that the rising allure of exotic cats, often viewed as symbols of wealth or status on social media, has significantly contributed to their demand. However, these animals, which require extensive care and space, often become difficult to manage and potentially dangerous for owners and the public alike.
