Danai Nesta Kupemba
BBC News
Guardia Ministry of Home Affairs Ministry of Home Affairs
Police say the couple’s activities were linked to a larger global human trafficking organisation
Spanish authorities have arrested anyone suspected of selling exotic cats online, including protected species such as white tigers, pumas and cloudy leopards.
Civil Security Police stormed the couple’s home on Mallorca after learning they own and breed rare cat species they sell on social media.
In total, 19 cats were found at the facility and rescued by agents. They included Caracal, 2 Servals and 16 hybrid cats.
Civil Security says the discovery was the “top of the iceberg” of global criminal organizations, including breeders, transporters and veterinarians.
“Most of the animals offered for sale came from countries such as Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and were smuggled into the European Union,” the Civil Security Force said.
Officials said the couple’s social media was “very active” as people from other countries contacted them to buy these types of animals.
The animals were smuggled into the EU through the Polish border with Belarus and then distributed in false documents, they added.
According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Europe is a central hub for exotic wildlife trade, with an increasing number of illegal black markets.
The couple also promoted other animals through social media such as hyenas, desert lynx and puma.
Getty Images
White tigers are very rare
The Cloudy Leopard – Animals native to the Himalayans – has sold online a price tag of 60,000 euros (52,000 pounds, $68,000);
The attack was part of a wider operation than it began last March. One other person is being researched to sell various species of exotic animals on the internet.
The animals are temporarily located at Mallorca’s son, Server Safari Zoo. They will later relocate to a rescue centre near Alicante.
According to IFAW, high demand for exotic cats is driven by social media as cats can be seen as signs of wealth or status.
However, these cats require a lot of space, but they are difficult to look after.
“They are very aggressive and can pose danger to people and other animals,” which will lead to many people getting rid of them, the Spanish Civil Guard said.
