Spanish police have arrested two individuals connected to a cat smuggling ring operating out of Mallorca. The operation, which began last year, resulted in the seizure of 19 animals, including exotic species such as caracals and servals. Authorities also found over 40 irregular animal passports from countries like Russia, Belarus, and China.
The suspects, who were selling these animals through social networks, offered rare felines for sale at high prices, including white tigers and pumas. The trend of breeding and owning exotic pets is common in Russia and Ukraine but has started to spread globally. The seized animals will be transferred to a rescue center in Alicante for rehabilitation.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/spanish-police-arrest-people-linked-cat-smuggling-ring-120816960