Civil Guard police raided a couple’s home on the Spanish island of Majorca after discovering they were breeding and selling rare feline species on social media platforms. The operation led to the rescue of 19 animals, including a caracal, two servals, and 16 hybrid felines.
The authorities have called this discovery just a small part of a much larger global criminal network. The operation reportedly involves breeders, transporters, and veterinarians across multiple countries. According to the Civil Guard, many of the animals came from countries like Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, where they were smuggled into the European Union.
The couple’s social media activity was described as “extremely active,” with numerous international buyers contacting them to purchase these exotic animals. The smuggling route reportedly included transporting the animals through Poland’s border with Belarus before they were distributed across Europe using fraudulent documents.
The illicit trade in exotic wildlife is on the rise, particularly in Europe, which has become a central hub for such activities, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The couple had also advertised other exotic animals for sale, including hyenas, desert lynxes, and pumas. A clouded leopard, a species native to the Himalayas and valued at €60,000 ($68,000), was also listed on their online platforms.
The raid was part of a broader operation that began in March. Another individual is currently under investigation for selling various exotic species over the internet.
The rescued animals are temporarily housed at the Son Servera Safari Zoo in Majorca and will later be transferred to a rescue center near Alicante.
Social media’s role in fueling the high demand for exotic cats is growing, as some buyers view these animals as symbols of wealth or status, according to the IFAW. However, these felines, which require large spaces and special care, often prove difficult to maintain. The Civil Guard noted that these animals are aggressive and can pose a threat to people or other animals, leading many owners to abandon them.
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