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13 exotic cats seized from ‘horrific’ conditions near Kamloops

BC SPCA says servals are wild animals that should not be in captivity
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One of 13 serval cats and kittens seized from a breeder near Kamloops. (BC SPCA)

The BC SPCA has seized 13 exotic cats and kittens from a breeder near Kamloops.

The agency said Tuesday that 10 serval cats and three serval kittens were seized from Little Fort. Servals cats are wild African cats, the organization said, that need lots of space to run and a “highly enriched environment” to play and hunt.

“They are carnivores and require a very specialized diet to meet their physical needs, including proper bone development,” said Marcie Moriarty, BC SPCA chief prevention and enforcement officer.

“The idea of these beautiful wild animals being confined in captivity is disturbing enough, but in this case, the animals were kept indoors in substandard conditions, without access to the outdoors or exercise.”

The SPCA found out about the cats after receiving reports of sick and injured animals being sold.

The servals were being kept in RV trailers and exposed to urine, with litter boxes overflowing with feces, no proper ventilation, little water, and no natural light.

The SPCA said it will pursue charges of animal cruelty against the breeder.

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@katslepian

katya.slepian@bpdigital.ca

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