BERKS COUNTY, Pa.– The Animal Rescue League of Berks County took possession of an African Serval cat after it was mistaken for a cheetah by the Reading Police Department.
According to the Animal Rescue League’s Facebook page, the group received a call from the Reading Police Department on Saturday, November 4 saying that a cheetah was running through the streets of Reading.
When staff responded to the call, they found that the animal was not a cheetah, but in fact an African Serval cat.
This type of cat is illegal to own in Pennsylvania without a permit, and upon contacting the Pennsylvania Fish and Game Commission, the Animal League learned that no one in Pennsylvania has a permit to own an African Serval.
The cat was transported to a highly respected rescue that specializes in big cats and was reportedly doing well.