Target: María Díaz, Chief Prosecutor, Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Castellón, Valencian Community, Spain.
Goal: Seek vigorous prosecution and maximum penalties for individuals who allegedly kept more than 150 wild animals—including a critically endangered Bali starling and Asian otters—in a clandestine private collection and offered protected species for sale.
Authorities reportedly uncovered a sprawling, secret menagerie where over 150 animals from more than 50 species were kept, including two Asian otters and a Bali starling—an imperiled bird said to have fewer than a hundred left in the wild. As reported, investigators traced online advertisements offering protected wildlife and then found cages filled with species from five continents. Among the animals reportedly recovered were zebras, servals, kinkajous, crowned cranes, lemurs, toucans, and macaws, with two macaws reputedly flagged as stolen.
According to accounts, the facilities lacked required authorizations, and many animals were unregistered. Officials reportedly valued the wildlife at well over two million euros, highlighting the severe impact on species already facing extinction pressures. These allegations portray a chilling picture of rare animals confined and trafficked for profit.
When endangered and protected species are commodified, the rule of law—and the very survival of these animals—hangs in the balance. Swift, transparent, and firm enforcement is essential. Sign below to demand prosecutors pursue all applicable crimes, seek meaningful jail time and fines where warranted, secure forfeiture of all animals, and push for a lifetime ban on keeping or trading wildlife for any convicted parties. Anything less risks signaling that trafficking the world’s rarest animals is a low-risk enterprise.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chief Prosecutor Díaz,
A clandestine collection allegedly held more than 150 wild animals, including a critically imperiled Bali starling and Asian otters, and protected species were purportedly offered for sale online. Investigators reportedly found cages of wildlife from five continents and even recovered macaws reputedly listed as stolen. These allegations depict grave harm to animals and to global conservation efforts.
We respectfully urge your office to prioritize this case, vigorously investigate every lead, and pursue the strongest charges supportable by the evidence. Where the facts and law permit, please seek meaningful penalties—including custodial sentences, substantial fines, restitution for the animals’ care, and permanent bans on keeping or trading wildlife—for any individuals found guilty.
Finally, we ask that you work with competent authorities to ensure that every rescued animal is transferred to accredited sanctuaries or authorized facilities, rather than returned to any environment linked to the alleged misconduct. A decisive response will help deter future cruelty and trafficking and affirm that endangered animals are not commodities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Magda Ehlers
