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African Serval on the Loose in South Carolina

Incident Date:
08/02/2024
Location:
Chester County, SC - USA
Facility Name:
Facility Type:
Exotic Pet (E)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Small Cats
Animal:
Serval
Animal disposition:
Other

Summary:

Chester County, SC – Chester County officials are searching for a loose African serval that escaped a house during a fire on Wednesday night.

The fire happened at a home on East Lacey Street in Chester. When firefighters arrived at the house, the owner told them his African serval ran away during the fire. Two domestic cats were found dead at the house, but the serval remains unaccounted for as of 11 a.m. Friday.

The African serval is not domesticated and poses a “significant risk” to the public due to potential aggression and strength, the sheriff’s office said. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources initially issued a “shoot on sight” order, but rescinded this notice after consulting with local law enforcement.

Chester County officials gave the owner four hours to locate the animal. If the animal wasn’t found in that timeframe, officers were told to take “necessary measures,” including killing the serval.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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