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Couple arrested for breeding exotic cats in Spain Couple arrested for breeding exotic cats in Spain
(about 11 hours later)
Police say the couple's activities were connected to a larger global trafficking organisationPolice say the couple's activities were connected to a larger global trafficking organisation
Spanish authorities have arrested a couple suspected of selling exotic cats online, including protected species like white tigers, pumas and clouded leopards. Spanish authorities have arrested a couple suspected of selling exotic cats online, including protected species such as white tigers, pumas and clouded leopards.
Civil Guard police raided the couple's home on the island of Majorca after learning that they were owning and breeding rare feline species which they then sold on social media.Civil Guard police raided the couple's home on the island of Majorca after learning that they were owning and breeding rare feline species which they then sold on social media.
In total, 19 felines were found on the property and rescued by agents. They included a caracal, two servals and 16 hybrid felines.In total, 19 felines were found on the property and rescued by agents. They included a caracal, two servals and 16 hybrid felines.
The Civil Guard say the discovery was just "the tip of the iceberg of a plot" of a global criminal organisation involving breeders, transporters and vets.The Civil Guard say the discovery was just "the tip of the iceberg of a plot" of a global criminal organisation involving breeders, transporters and vets.
"Most of the animals offered for sale came from countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, to be smuggled into the European Union," the Civil Guard said."Most of the animals offered for sale came from countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, to be smuggled into the European Union," the Civil Guard said.
The authorities said the couple's social media was "extremely active" as people from other countries contacted them to purchase these types of animals.The authorities said the couple's social media was "extremely active" as people from other countries contacted them to purchase these types of animals.
The animals were smuggled into the EU through Poland's border with Belarus and then distributed with false documents, they added.The animals were smuggled into the EU through Poland's border with Belarus and then distributed with false documents, they added.
Europe is a central hub for exotic wildlife trade and the illicit black market is on the rise, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).Europe is a central hub for exotic wildlife trade and the illicit black market is on the rise, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
The couple also advertised other animals through social media including hyenas, desert lynxes and pumas.The couple also advertised other animals through social media including hyenas, desert lynxes and pumas.
White tigers are extremely rareWhite tigers are extremely rare
A clouded leopard - an animal native to the Himalayas - with a price tag of €60,000 (£52,000; $68,000) was also put up for sale online.A clouded leopard - an animal native to the Himalayas - with a price tag of €60,000 (£52,000; $68,000) was also put up for sale online.
This raid was part of a wider operation which began last March. One other person is being investigated for selling various species of exotic animals on the internet.This raid was part of a wider operation which began last March. One other person is being investigated for selling various species of exotic animals on the internet.
The animals have been temporarily placed at the Son Servera Safari Zoo in Majorca. They may be later relocated to a rescue centre near Alicante, although this is still under discussion.The animals have been temporarily placed at the Son Servera Safari Zoo in Majorca. They may be later relocated to a rescue centre near Alicante, although this is still under discussion.
The high demand for exotic cats is fuelled by social media because the felines can be seen as a sign of wealth or status, according the IFAW.The high demand for exotic cats is fuelled by social media because the felines can be seen as a sign of wealth or status, according the IFAW.
But these cats – which require a lot of space – are difficult to look after.But these cats – which require a lot of space – are difficult to look after.
"They are very aggressive and can pose a danger to people or other animals" which leads to many people getting rid of them, the Spanish Civil Guard said."They are very aggressive and can pose a danger to people or other animals" which leads to many people getting rid of them, the Spanish Civil Guard said.
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