Home sought for African wildcat

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004 | 9:30 a.m.

Authorities are looking for a new home for an African wildcat captured last week with an animal rescue group, unless the owners come forward.

"We're looking for someone that actually rescues and provides the animal with some place to live out their life and be cared for rather than end up back in the system or situation," Clark County Animal Control Sgt. David March said.

The owners have until the Tuesday to claim the animal. They may be able to keep it, March said, if they meet the necessary legal requirements.

But March expects the owners may not come forward because they could face prosecution with a maximum $1,000 fine and six months jail time. He said exotic pets on the loose are something animal control officers and the courts take seriously.

The cat is a serval, typically not larger than 40 pounds, native to the African plains and known for its vertical leap. March said it was not a threat except to maybe other animals.

Servals are not endangered, though their numbers have declined in part because of fur trade.

Animal control captured the cat Oct. 7 near Tropicana Avenue and Nellis Boulevard. It is in good health and being held at the Dewey Animal Care Center.