Officers from the environmental protection branch of the Guardia Civil, SEPRONA, have recovered a female Barbary monkey that was living in a home in Los Balcones, Torrevieja.
The primate was living in a six metre square cage, and was reported to be in good condition and well maintained.
After giving the owner time to clarify legal possession, the relevant documentation under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulations was not provided and so the owner was charged for alleged violation of Organic Law relating to smuggling by the Customs and Excise Agency in Alicante.
The operation was carried out in conjunction with the Primadomus association which concentrates on the recovery, care and relocation of primates.