Two people suspected of breeding and selling exotic cats in Spain have been arrested by police. The pair, who were found at a property in Manacor, Majorca, had 19 exotic animals including a desert lynx and two servals.
According to the Guardia Civil, the suspects sold various animal species such as white tigers, black leopards, hyenas, and pumas to different parts of the world through online platforms. Investigators seized extensive documentation, animal passports from Russia, Belarus, and China, and electronic devices.
The operation uncovered a global criminal organization involving breeders, traffickers, and veterinarians. The investigation started in March when reports were received about a couple breeding exotic cats in Majorca before selling them online. Authorities noted the suspects’ active social media presence and suspected an international wildlife trafficking network.
The seized animals include 16 mixed breeds that will be temporarily housed at the Safari Zoo de Son Servera in Majorca, with plans to permanently rehomed them in Alicante. The Guardia Civil warned about the dangers of these species and reported instances of traffickers attempting to breed domestic cats with desert lynx to produce safer animals.
All seized animals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The suspects face charges for wildlife crimes, smuggling, document falsification, and conspiracy. Spain is considered a crucial transit hub for illegal wildlife trade, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/15/europe/spain-exotic-cats-breeding-scli-intl/index.html