Louisiana firefighters find feline native to sub-Saharan Africa while responding to house fire
Louisiana firefighters discovered an illegally kept African serval in a backyard enclosure while responding to a house fire in New Orleans. Animal welfare officials have since seized the wildcat and are working to place it in a suitable environment.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the legal and safety issues surrounding the private ownership of exotic animals in residential areas.
An African serval in a transport carrier after being found in the back yard of a home by firefighters in New Orleans. Photograph: John McCusker, JPaws An African serval in a transport carrier after being found in the back yard of a home by firefighters in New Orleans. Photograph: John McCusker, JPaws Louisiana Louisiana firefighters find feline native to sub-Saharan Africa while responding to house fire The African serval, illegally enclosed in the back yard, was subdued and transferred to an animal welfare facility
Prefer the Guardian on Google Louisiana firefighters responding to a small house blaze found a wildcat native to sub-Saharan Africa illegally enclosed in the back yard, and an animal welfare agency is now seeking to place the creature in an appropriate environment, according to officials.
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