SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Nov. 5 (EUROPA PRESS) –
Officers from the Nature Protection Service Team (SEPRONA) of the Civil Guard Command in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are looking into an individual who operated an illegal zoo in the central part of the municipality, housing a considerable number of animals without the necessary permits for their ownership.
The creatures were located on a terrace and within the domicile of the suspect, with approximately 50 birds, 20 amphibians, 4 reptiles, numerous fish, and a protected marine coral found by the agents.
The hygienic and sanitary conditions for the animals were alarmingly inadequate, with deteriorating cages and aquariums, food mixed with insects scattered across the floor, an accumulation of excrement, and a complete lack of veterinary care, as reported by the Civil Guard.
During the operation, agents confiscated the following specimens: a leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis), a pink parakeet (Neopsephotus bourkii), and an orange arborescent coral (Dendrophyllia ramea), all listed in Annex B of the European Convention on the Conservation of Wild Fauna and Flora species.
Additionally, an Asian toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) was taken as it is considered an exotic-invasive species.
All animals have been placed in the Wild Animal Recovery Centre (CRAS) of the Neotrópic Foundation.
The authorities also seized one Moorish sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis) due to its status as a wild species, the trade and ownership of which is prohibited, and it was handed over to the ‘La Tahonilla’ Wildlife Recovery Centre.
Consequently, the SEPRONA of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has initiated an investigation into the owner for a potential offence related to the protection of flora, fauna, and domestic animals, alongside a proposal for sanctions owing to various administrative infringements directed at multiple public organisations.
