Officers from the Nature Protection Service Team (SEPRONA) of the Civil Guard Command in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are investigating an individual who ran an illegal zoo within the municipality, housing a significant number of animals without the necessary permits for their ownership.
The animals were found on a terrace and within the suspect’s residence, where agents discovered approximately 50 birds, 20 amphibians, four reptiles, and a considerable quantity of fish, alongside a protected marine coral.
The sanitary and hygienic conditions of the animals were extremely inadequate, with decrepit cages and aquariums, food contaminated with insects strewn across the floor, an accumulation of waste, and a lack of veterinary care, as reported by the Civil Guard on Tuesday.
The following specimens were confiscated by the acting officers: a leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis), a pink parakeet (Neopsephotus bourkii), and a tree coral (Dendrophyllia ramea), all classified under Annex B of the European Regulation concerning the protection of species of wild fauna and flora.
Additionally, an Asian toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) was removed as it is classified as an invasive exotic species.
All confiscated animals have been taken to the Wild Animal Recovery Centre (CRAS) operated by the Neotrópic Foundation.
The agents also seized a Moorish sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis), being a wild species whose trade and ownership are prohibited, which was subsequently handed over to the La Tahonilla Wildlife Recovery Centre.
For these reasons, SEPRONA in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has begun an investigation into the owner for potential violations related to the protection of flora, fauna, and domestic animals, in addition to proposing penalties for various administrative infringements to relevant public organisations.
