Published Oct 25, 2023 • Last updated 2 minutes ago • 1 minute read
African serval cat missing in Killaloe area Photo by OPP /Supplied
Provincial police near Killaloe are warning that a wild African serval cat has escaped from an animal sanctuary in Bonnechere Valley Township.
Police were advised of the animal’s disappearance from a shelter at about 8:45 a.m.
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In a public service warning, Ontario Provincial Police described the animal as spotted with pointed ears, typically weighing between 25 to 30 pounds.
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The animals would be able to attack mid-sized livestock and pets, police said.
While servals would typically avoid humans, they could be dangerous to humans if cornered or feel threatened, agencies warn.
“Police are asking members of the public to use caution in the area and report any sightings to police. If it is an emergency, please call using 911.”
Stephen Smith, communications manager for the Ottawa Humane Society, said in an email that the province of Ontario does not have laws preventing ownership of serval cats, Ottawa and some other municipalities have bylaws banning the animals.
“Servals aren’t domesticated house cats — they’re wild animals who roam savannahs and wetlands hunting for prey,” Smith said in an email.
“They have wild instincts and experience poor welfare in captivity. If let loose, their welfare remains at risk as they typically haven’t had the opportunity to learn how to hunt.”
According to a municipal spokesman, serval cats are listed as “prohibited animals” in Schedule B of the city’s Animal Care and Control By-law.
“All cats other than domesticated cats (Felis catus) including but not limited to: lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, puma, panther, mountain lion, cheetah, wild cat, cougar, bobcat, lynx, serval, and any hybrid offspring of a wild cat and domesticated cat,” are banned.
The Killaloe area is about 170 kilometres northwest of Ottawa.
Serval cat missing in Killaloe area Photo by OPP /Supplied
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