An African Serval was stolen in Surrey. I live 8 blocks from where he was stolen! The Serval was seen on my street and there are so many kids around here. Read the story...
Cheetah-like cat stolen in Surrey
Global BC
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
The disappearance of a large cheetah-like cat in the Surrey area is now officially being investigated as a "cat-napping."
Four callers reported seeing the animal being dragged on a leash by a man in the area of 80th Avenue and King George Highway.
It's believed the exotic cat is in the possession of a white man in his 30s, about five-foot-10, with an average build, blonde hair and a moustache.
The animal, an African serval, was in the back of its owner's car in the Newton area of Surrey when it disappeared.
Maya Kende, who has raised the exotic cat since it was a kitten, says the animal is relatively tame with her, but could be dangerous around strangers.
"He's fine with me, but it is a wild animal," says Kende. "You have to realize this animal will attack a child."
"As the animal gets hungry, it could pose a threat to children," says Surrey RCMP Const. Tim Shields. "And that, we take seriously."
Kende says she returned to her car and discovered that the back door was open and the cat, which she named Loki, was gone.
She is concerned for her pet's well-being, because anyone unfamiliar with its diet and handling may not be able to care for it properly.
An African serval, which resembles a small cheetah or lynx, grows to about five feet in length and weighs about 40 pounds.
Kende says she researched the animals for several years before purchasing the exotic cat, then got it from a breeder in the Nanaimo area. She raised it in the Kelowna area before relocating to the Lower Mainland a week ago, and is reported to have been living out of her car.
Peter Fricker of the Vancouver Humane Society says the keeping of exotic pets is growing in popularity, and is a serious problem.
Fricker says servals are among several exotic cats in demand as pets. Because it is not an endangered species, there is no federal law banning their importation or ownership, unless forbidden by a local municipal bylaw.
"The result is a glut of exotics flooding the marketplace," says Fricke. "It's disturbing. It's a huge public safety issue as well as a humane issue."
The humane society says Surrey's exotic-animal bylaw needs to be strengthened to bar not just the sale and trade of such animals but the keeping of them as well.
That bylaw is currently being debated by Surrey city council.
-- With reporting by Sophie Lui of Global BC, and Canadian Press
I will update you guys when I hear more news about Loki!
Cheetah-like cat stolen in Surrey
Global BC
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
The disappearance of a large cheetah-like cat in the Surrey area is now officially being investigated as a "cat-napping."
Four callers reported seeing the animal being dragged on a leash by a man in the area of 80th Avenue and King George Highway.
It's believed the exotic cat is in the possession of a white man in his 30s, about five-foot-10, with an average build, blonde hair and a moustache.
The animal, an African serval, was in the back of its owner's car in the Newton area of Surrey when it disappeared.
Maya Kende, who has raised the exotic cat since it was a kitten, says the animal is relatively tame with her, but could be dangerous around strangers.
"He's fine with me, but it is a wild animal," says Kende. "You have to realize this animal will attack a child."
"As the animal gets hungry, it could pose a threat to children," says Surrey RCMP Const. Tim Shields. "And that, we take seriously."
Kende says she returned to her car and discovered that the back door was open and the cat, which she named Loki, was gone.
She is concerned for her pet's well-being, because anyone unfamiliar with its diet and handling may not be able to care for it properly.
An African serval, which resembles a small cheetah or lynx, grows to about five feet in length and weighs about 40 pounds.
Kende says she researched the animals for several years before purchasing the exotic cat, then got it from a breeder in the Nanaimo area. She raised it in the Kelowna area before relocating to the Lower Mainland a week ago, and is reported to have been living out of her car.
Peter Fricker of the Vancouver Humane Society says the keeping of exotic pets is growing in popularity, and is a serious problem.
Fricker says servals are among several exotic cats in demand as pets. Because it is not an endangered species, there is no federal law banning their importation or ownership, unless forbidden by a local municipal bylaw.
"The result is a glut of exotics flooding the marketplace," says Fricke. "It's disturbing. It's a huge public safety issue as well as a humane issue."
The humane society says Surrey's exotic-animal bylaw needs to be strengthened to bar not just the sale and trade of such animals but the keeping of them as well.
That bylaw is currently being debated by Surrey city council.
-- With reporting by Sophie Lui of Global BC, and Canadian Press
I will update you guys when I hear more news about Loki!
