Police warn search is on for escaped serval cat in Killaloe region

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.

Article content

In a public service warning, Ontario Provincial Police described the animal as spotted with pointed ears, typically weighing between 25 to 30 pounds.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Article content

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