A wild serval, a medium-sized African wild cat, was rescued in Cincinnati after being exposed to cocaine, according to animal control officials. Named Amiry, the cat was found after escaping from a vehicle during a police stop and was “highly agitated” when removed from a tree by Hamilton County Dog Wardens. Amiry fell during the rescue attempt and fractured his leg, but more concerning was the discovery he had been exposed to cocaine. Cincinnati’s Ohio Dangerous Wild Animals Act prohibits the possession of servals. Amiry is now being cared for by the Cincinnati Zoo.
Important Details about Exotic cat found in Ohio tests positive for cocaine –
– A serval, a medium-sized wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa, was rescued in Cincinnati after climbing a tree following a police stop of its owner for an unrelated traffic violation.
– The cat, named Amiry, fell from the tree during the rescue attempt and fractured its leg.
– At the shelter, the cat was tested for both its DNA and drugs, and the test confirmed that it was a serval, which is illegal to own in Ohio. The cat was also found to have been exposed to cocaine, though the amount is unknown.
– The owner cooperated with the investigation and relinquished the cat to the Cincinnati Animal CARE shelter.
– The cat is now in the care of the Cincinnati Zoo and is “clinically normal” aside from its still-healing fracture.
– Servals are expert hunters and do not make good pets, as they need specialized care, vast amounts of exercise, and mark their territory by spraying.
– The Ohio Dangerous Wild Animals Act prohibits the possession of servals, although “savannah cats,” a popular hybrid created by breeding a serval with a domestic cat, are permitted.
Wild Serval Cat Exposed to Cocaine: The Disturbing Reality of Exotic Pet Ownership
In a recent incident, an exotic wild cat, known as a serval, was found to have been exposed to cocaine. The cat, named Amiry, was rescued in Cincinnati after escaping from its owner’s vehicle during a police stop. While the cat’s rescue was a success, it was discovered that Amiry had ingested cocaine prior to its capture.
Exotic animals, including serval cats, are not meant to be kept as pets, yet many people still choose to adopt them. This unfortunate occurrence highlights the dangerous reality of exotic pet ownership and the negative impact it can have on the animals themselves.
The rescue of Amiry
On January 31, Amiry was rescued by Hamilton County Dog Wardens, a division of Cincinnati Animal CARE, after being found highly agitated at the top of a tree. According to Ray Anderson, the shelter’s community engagement manager, Amiry had escaped from his owner’s vehicle during a police stop for an unrelated traffic violation.
Hamilton County Dog Wardens worked tirelessly to retrieve the cat safely from the tree, but during the rescue, Amiry fell and fractured his leg. Following the rescue, Amiry was taken to Cincinnati Animal CARE, where staff began to examine him more closely.
Amiry’s impromptu drug test
During its time at the shelter, staff members noticed that Amiry was acting unusually, leading them to conduct a drug test. This test would confirm that the cat had indeed been exposed to cocaine. At the time when the test results came in, Amiry was under the care of his owner, who surrendered him to the shelter.
Anderson stated that the investigation into Amiry’s exposure to cocaine is ongoing and that no evidence has come to light so far that indicates it was intentional. The shelter is unsure how much cocaine Amiry may have ingested, but confirmed that the cat has managed to recover from his injuries and is now under the care of the Cincinnati Zoo.
The dangers of exotic pet ownership
This whole incident brings into light the dangers associated with exotic pet ownership. Servals are wild cats native to sub-Saharan Africa, and their owners often believe they are capable of providing them with the care they need. This belief is far from the truth, as wild cats have specific requirements that owners are often not equipped to provide.
The Cincinnati Zoo, where Amiry is currently being cared for, explained in a blog post that servals are expert hunters and have special adaptations to suit their natural habitat. These cats are not meant to be kept in captivity as pets, and doing so can result in severe health issues and behavioral challenges.
The Ohio Dangerous Wild Animals Act makes it illegal to own a wild serval in Ohio. However, hybrid cats created by breeding a domestic cat with a serval, such as Savannah cats, are permitted.
Exotic pets are not toys
Exotic pets, like serval cats, often get treated as pets rather than wild animals incapable of living in a domestic environment. These animals have complex needs that make them unsuitable for ownership. They need a lot of space, regular exercise, and specialized care to inspire healthy behavior.
Exotic pet ownership reflects severe ignorance on the part of the owners, and it often results in neglect, mistreatment, and unfortunate incidents like Amiry’s exposure to cocaine. The possession and breeding of these animals have a direct impact on their survival in their natural habitat.
Additionally, the illegal capture and trade of these animals from the wild are contributing significantly to their dwindling numbers. It’s essential to protect and preserve these animals and forbidding their ownership is the first step towards their conservation.
Conclusion
The sad reality is that many people are still unaware of the negative effects of exotic pet ownership. The dangers associated with keeping a wild animal as a pet can lead to injury, disease, and even death. The rescue of Amiry is a reminder that wild animals should be left in their natural habitat and that their breeding for commercial and personal use is morally unjust.
It must be understood that owning an exotic animal is not the same as owning a domestic dog or cat. Exotic pets are not toys, accessories or status symbols. They require specialized care and attention, which most owners are incapable and ill-equipped to provide.
The government and animal welfare organizations should promote awareness and advocate for stricter laws to protect these animals from exploitation, abuse, and neglect by unscrupulous people. Wild animals belong in the wild, and their conservation and protection must be prioritized to ensure their continued existence in the future.