The B.C. SPCA has removed 10 adult serval cats and three serval kittens from "horrific living conditions" in Little Fort, north of Kamloops.
Lorie Chortyk, the general manager of community relations for the non-profit, says staff members were alerted to the breeder after receiving complaints of sick and injured animals being sold.
"We've been following up for a short time now; under the law...people have the opportunity to change the conditions. In this case, the living conditions were so horrible for these animals. These are wild, African cats, which in their wild environment are used to travelling large distances in a day.
"These animals were being bred, they were being kept in two RVs on the property, where there was a high ammonia build-up from the urine; litter boxes just overflowing with feces. There wasn't proper ventilation in these RVs, no proper access to water, very hot in the RVs. The windows were covered. They didn't have access to the outdoors or exercise, so really these animals were in distress from a whole lack of attention to their physical and psychological needs," explains Chortyk.
The cats were removed with the help of a conservation officer and are being cared for at an undisclosed location, she adds.
"In all of these cases, owners have the right to appeal for the return of their animals, so we have to wait out that phase. If they're not appealed, then we will make sure they go to a proper sanctuary where their needs can be met," she says. "If the owners do appeal and it goes through a long legal battle, we'll just have to see that through."
The B.C. SPCA will be recommending animal cruelty charges, according to Chortyk.
"We do nearly 10,000 investigations a year, so, unfortunately, animal neglect and cruelty are not unusual," she tells KamloopsMatters. "In this case, it really shines a light on the exotic animal trade in B.C. and there are just certain people that it's almost like a novelty to have an exotic pet."
According to a news release, serval cats are not included in the provincial Controlled Alien Species legislation, meaning their breeding is unregulated.
In addition to the 13 serval cats and kittens, the SPCA seized two dogs and one domestic cat in distress from the property.
