In brief
Authorities rescued 19 big cats from a home in Majorca, revealing a smuggling network linked to a rise in exotic pet purchases.
The Spanish police recently conducted a successful operation in Majorca, rescuing 19 exotic felines from an illegal trafficking ring. The animals, which included a caracal and two servals, were found at the home of a Russian couple who were arrested during the raid. Authorities emphasized the growing threat posed by the demand for big cats, often fueled by social media where unique pets are seen as status symbols. The couple were reportedly tied to an international smuggling organization responsible for trading various exotic species online. The police discovered travel documents for over 40 additional animals from countries like Russia and China, highlighting the global scale of this criminal activity. Experts warn that the surge in exotic pet popularity is putting endangered species at even greater risk, causing further population depletion in the wild.
