The authorities closed a premises in the City of Buenos Aires that was illegally selling capybara and kid meat. This was detected during an operation carried out by the Buenos Aires Police along with personnel from the Judicial Investigations Corps (CIJ) of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The establishment is located at 4600 Corrientes Avenue, Villa Crespo. Both animals have a special legal regime for their sale, which is why it is believed that the product originated from illegal hunting.
Illegally selling capybara meat
The procedure was conducted as part of an investigation led by the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor’s Office (UFEMA), under the direction of Dr. Santurián.
During the inspection, several cans of capybara and kid meat preserves were found, both animals have a special legal regime for their sale.
Therefore, it is suspected that both specimens of wildlife were extracted from their natural habitats through poaching and subjected to illegal commerce.
It was also verified that the packaged products display the same National Registry of Food Products (RNPA) number. Therefore, the seizure of the products was ordered. In total, three containers of kid preserves and two of capybara were confiscated.
The person in charge of the premises was charged with illegal trade and possession of wildlife by-products and acts of animal cruelty.
The operation was led by personnel from the Environmental Crimes Division of the Buenos Aires Police, along with the Judicial Investigations Corps (CIJ) of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the City, in addition to the participation of officers from the General Directorate of Environmental Control (DGCONTA), the General Directorate of Inspection and Control (DGFYC), and the General Directorate of Hygiene and Food Safety (DGHYSA) of the GCBA.
Why are capybaras hunted?
Capybaras are often hunted for their skin and meat. The capybara’s skin is highly valued in South America and is used for making footwear, belts, saddles, and whips.
Furthermore, the meat is also sought for commercial purposes. Capybara leather is valued for making gloves, footwear, belts, and leather jackets.
The hunting and accelerated urbanization threaten the capybara’s habitat. The possession and sale of wild animals without legal documentation are prohibited and punishable.
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