Trafficking in exotic animals: “Globalization and social networks have only amplified the phenomenon”, assures the Attorney General of Toulouse
Franck Rastoul, Attorney General of Toulouse, in particular at the head of the Environment and Animal Abuse division, takes stock of the trafficking of exotic animals in the region and the risks involved.
How is animal trafficking organized in the region?
In fact, one could compare this to drug trafficking. It should all the same be remembered that animal trafficking is the third largest traffic in the world after weapons and narcotics. This clearly shows the magnitude of the phenomenon. With globalization, these illegal trade in animals have only increased. Social networks are also a very good showcase for traffickers of protected or non-protected species. It’s a double-edged sword, they can highlight their ads but also arouse the indignation of Internet users and therefore arrive at a report. The phenomenon is global but in Toulouse we are very attentive to it.
The fact that these traffickers involved on the internet makes investigations difficult…
It is sometimes difficult to reassemble the whole chain. Between the person who resells and the person who provided the animal initially, it is not always easy to find the protagonists of this traffic and the precise roles.
Which animals are the targets of these illegal transactions?
We have had disputes about parrots from Gabon. Lots of people were looking for it. There have also been cases concerning chimpanzees but also reptiles. In reality, there is not really a typology. From the moment it is exotic it can arouse lust and therefore traffic. It should be pointed out that there is another traffic than that of live animals. That of dead animals, especially bushmeat. This is the meat of wild animals intended for human consumption, coming from the African continent, but also sometimes from Asian or Latin American countries. It is heavily trafficked. I am also thinking of trafficking in scales, ivory, reptile skins…
What penalties are encouraged for this type of offence?
Putting up for sale, selling or buying a specimen of a non-domestic animal species is punishable by three years’ imprisonment and a fine of €150,000. The penalties increase according to the degree of involvement.