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.
The @BC_SPCA has seized 10 adult serval (exotic) cats and three serval kittens from a breeder near #Kamloops. Cats were "exposed to high levels of ammonia from urine, litter boxes overflowing with feces, w/out proper ventilation or access to water." Story @BlackPressMedia
— Kat Slepian (@katslepian) July 2, 2019
“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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