Illegal exotic animal sales at León tianguis, Mexico, Digi Mart USA News (León, Guanajuato, Mexico): Civil organizations have demanded that authorities intervene in the sale of exotic species at the La Línea de Fuego tianguis, a local open-air market, citing probable links between the activity and organized crime.
Marielena Hoyo Bastién, former director of the Chapultepec Zoo (1983–1997), warned of the risks posed by the informal sale of these animals. She said organized crime is likely involved, though it is difficult to prove, describing it as an open secret.
She also said the illegal trade in animals ranks third or fourth among illegal merchandise trafficking.
Telediario reported this Tuesday that the La Línea de Fuego tianguis illegally sells hawks, yellow-cheeked parrots, tarantulas, lizards, pythons and vipers. The secretary general of the market, Carlos Alfredo Téllez, denied the existence of this black market.
Hoyo Bastién added that corruption enables the illegal sale of these animals. She questioned why, despite numerous inspections and patrols, authorities had not eliminated these irregular markets, suggesting vendors feel protected by bribes or other arrangements with officials.
Telediario contacted the Federal Attorney General for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) but received no response. Hoyo Bastién said the federal agency should address the matter publicly.
Juan Carlos Cantú Guzmán, director general of the environmental organization Teyeliz, acknowledged that market leaders protect the illegal sale of animals in León, a trade he said has gained strength in the state since the pandemic. He said PROFEPA has been unable to eradicate it, in part because vendors are protected by market owners and even by members of the public.
Cantú Guzmán said Guanajuato has long been known for illegal trafficking of exotic skins used in footwear, and that the sale of animals in markets has now been added to that problem. He said the practice has continued.
