In an important operation, animals were found during a raid at a country club located in the town of Carlos Keen, part of Luján.
The investigation concluded with the rescue of animals during a raid on a property and the identification of several exotic animals, including endangered wildlife species.
Animals rescued during a raid
The operation, carried out by members of the Sub DDI Luján, was conducted following a complaint filed by an NGO.
At the property, the agents managed to rescue a monkey, two deer, a capybara, two rheas, and three macaws. Additionally, five individuals were charged with “animal abuse and cruelty“, among other offenses.
The investigation began on November 6, 2024, when the illegal possession of exotic animals and other wildlife species in danger of extinction was reported, constituting a violation of Laws 14,346 and 22,421.
The UFI No. 9 ordered the intervention of the DDI. Personnel from the Sub DDI Luján, after various investigative tasks, managed to “certify the veracity of the reported facts, forwarding proceedings to the judicial headquarters and requesting a raid,” according to police sources.
Furthermore, the Prosecutor’s Office determined that officers from the Environmental Crimes Department of the Argentine Federal Police would participate in the operation.
Animals were rescued during a recent raid, leading to the “seizure of several species in danger of extinction and others without the proper documentation.”
Among the rescued animals are a brush-tailed monkey, two Axis deer, a capybara, two rheas, two Blue-and-Yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna) and a Scarlet Macaw (Ara chloropterus).
Additionally, four men aged 23, 44, 53, and 54, and a 41-year-old woman were identified. These individuals were notified of the initiation of a judicial proceeding under Article 60 of the Criminal Procedural Code.
Crimes charged for illegal possession of wildlife
The charged crimes include “illegal storage and trade of wildlife species in concurrent real offenses of animal abuse and cruelty, violation of Article 27 of Law 22,421 on wildlife conservation, and infringement of Law 14,346.”
The animals rescued during a raid will remain under judicial custody until personnel from Nation’s Wildlife present themselves.
The investigation is led by Dr. Mariana Suárez from UFI No. 9, and Dr. Marcelo Romero, head of the Guarantees Court No. 1 of the Mercedes Judicial Department.
