Exotic Cat Traffickers Apprehended in Majorca

A couple in Majorca has been arrested for breeding and selling exotic cats, including endangered species. Their illegal activities are believed to be part of a larger international trafficking organization.

Spanish Civil Guard agents arrested a couple in Majorca on suspicion of illegally breeding and selling exotic cats, including endangered species such as white tigers and clouded leopards. The raid on their residence uncovered 19 rare felines, including a caracal, two servals, and several hybrid cats, all of which were intended for sale through social media platforms.

Authorities report that this investigation, which has been running since March, reveals only a fraction of a larger global criminal network involving breeders, transporters, and even veterinarians. Most of the animals were allegedly smuggled into the European Union from countries like Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, often crossing through Poland's borders with falsified documentation to avoid detection.

Social media played a crucial role in the couple's operations, as their active online presence attracted customers from various countries, eager to purchase these exotic animals. Additionally, they advertised other species, including hyenas and desert lynxes, for sale online.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) highlights a growing trend of the black market for exotic wildlife in Europe, driven by the status and wealth associated with owning such rare pets. However, owners often find themselves ill-equipped to handle the demands of these animals, many of which are aggressive and require extensive care.

Following the raid, the rescued animals were taken to the Son Servera Safari Zoo in Majorca and will later be relocated to a facility near Alicante as investigations continue. Meanwhile, officials warn that irresponsibly owning exotic cats can pose significant risks to both people and other domestic animals.