Illegal wildcat fur coat seized from Derbyshire shop

The coat is made from the fur of endangered leopardus Geoffroyi – or Geoffroy’s Cat – which is native to South America and has the highest level of protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

It was taken by yesterday - Wednesday, February 8 - from a shop in Buxton by specialist wildlife officers from Derbyshire Police who were working with the National Wildlife Crime Unit.

PC Emerson Buckingham said: “Geoffroy’s cats used to be widely hunted for their pelts, which were then made into garments and sold in the fur trade.

“When the cats were placed under the CITES scheme, that trade dropped off but we still see these kinds of furs, of many different prohibited species, being sold.

“The trade of any CITES animal is prohibited and anyone who sells them on is only encouraging the illegal killing of animals and trade of their pelts.

“These animals have protection for a reason and it’s important that we and the National Wildlife Crime Unit take action to prevent such trade whenever we have the chance.”

Anyone who wants to sell this type of fur coat must have a proper licence, unless the fur pre-dated 1947.

The owner of the wildcat fur coat was dealt with by community resolution.

Anyone who wants to report wildlife crime offences can call Derbyshire police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.