Filenews 2 August 2022 - by Ioanna Mantzipa
The case of the notorious forbidden wildcat Serval, which from last May until yesterday was placed in the Limassol Zoo, after its attack on a three-year-old boy, has evolved into a serial for strong nerves. after what has come to light in relation to his health and living conditions.
On the matter, the director of the Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, was asked to comment to "F", who said that the animal has been confiscated and will remain in the licensed facilities of the Pegeia Zoo, which are suitable for keeping and caring for such animals, noting also that there is another such animal there.
The information of "F" states that from the day the animal was transferred to the Limassol Zoo until yesterday, its exclusive care was taken by its guardian, at her request. In fact, the care included feeding and, whenever requested, veterinary care by a private veterinarian of her choice.
For her part, the guardian argued that the animal, last Saturday, had heat stroke and asked that it be examined by a veterinarian. As it became known, the wildcat was examined and given subcutaneous serum as a precaution. In fact, the Limassol Municipality in an announcement claimed that the veterinarian did not make any reference to heat stroke or anything else that threatens the life of the animal.
After the latest developments and the transfer of the wildcat to the zoo of Pegeia, the president of the Party for the Animals of Cyprus, Kyriakos Kyriakou in statements to "F" noted that the wild cat cannot survive in Cyprus and calls on the competent Services immediately to issue conditional documents to leave our country along with its guardian.
"It was illegally imported into Cyprus, there are no licensed premises and when an animal is seized they find easy solutions - ie to be given to the zoos", noted Mr. Kyriacou, emphasizing that this act is illegal. Among other things, he stressed that he himself assumes the burden of responsibility so that the forbidden animal leaves our country.
The Veterinary Services make it clear to "F" that the whole issue has been investigated and there is no way that the prohibited animal will leave Cyprus. "No health documents were presented for the animal or its identification document (passport). It is not possible for our Service to issue any veterinary document for its identification, confirmation of its origin, as well as its veterinary health status. Therefore, its movement to any other country is not possible based on the data in force. It is considered satisfactory that the animal stays here", as mentioned characteristically.
