Exotic Cat Smuggling Ring Busted in Mallorca, Spain

Exotic Cat Smuggling Operation

• 🇪🇸 Authorities in Spain busted an exotic cat smuggling operation on the island of Mallorca.
• 🐾 A total of 19 rare felines were rescued during the operation.
• 👮 Two individuals were arrested, accused of selling exotic cats online.

Rescued Feline Species

• 🐱 Among the rescued animals was a caracal, also known as a desert lynx, a wild cat native to Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.
• 🦁 Two servals, small wild cats native to Africa, were also confiscated.
• ⚠️ The summary notes that these wild cats are not domesticated and are better suited to living in the wild.

Evidence and Origin of Smuggled Cats

• 📄 Agents from Spain's Civil Guard discovered phony animal passports and medical documentation.
• 🌍 The cats primarily originated from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine and were intended for smuggling into the European Union.
• 📰 A Spanish newspaper reported the suspects were Russian, and authorities believe this bust may be part of a larger trafficking network.