CHESTER, S.C. – An African Serval has been found safe after escaping from a house fire in Chester County Wednesday night, according to the City of Chester.
Officials were called Wednesday to battle a fire on East Lacey Street where the owner allegedly possessed an African Serval.
African Servals are not a domesticated animal due to its potential aggressive nature and strength, the City of Chester said.
The Serval cat was located Friday and was taken to an animal sanctuary in Florida, officials said.
Officials gave the owner four hours to find the cat before law enforcement was allowed to take “necessary measures,” including lethal force, to ensure the public’s safety.
“There is no longer a direct threat to the safety of our residents,” the City of Chester said. “The Chester Police Department and the City of Chester would like to thank Chester County, Chester County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control, as well as the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for their assistance in making sure all our citizens were safe.”
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said it legal to own or transport Serval cats. The City of Chester said a “shoot on sight” order was not issued, despite previous reports.
Two domestic cats were killed in the house fire.
