An adorable puma was rescued from a property in Brazil after authorities suspect it had been sold for $4,000.
The Brazil Federal Police say the animal was being “illegally held” in a property in Rio de Janeiro. It was rescued by police on Wednesday, September 13.
A video that emerged on social media shows the animal sat in a corner as the authorities move in. It was subsequently recovered and set to be taken to a wildlife centre.
Officers say they worked with the local community in Pavão-Pavãozinho, in the south of the city, as well as the Military Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro (PMERJ).
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In a statement, translated to English, the Brazilian Federal Police said: “The jaguar was sent to the Wild Animal Screening Center (CETAS/IBAMA) in Seropédica for examinations and rehabilitation, with the aim of reinserting the animal into nature.
“Those involved may be liable for the crimes of qualified animal trafficking, as the puma is threatened with extinction, with a sentence of up to three years; mistreatment of animals, punishable by up to one year in prison; and qualified reception, with a sentence of three to eight years.
“Investigations will continue to identify those responsible and find out the origin of the animal.”
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