Exotic Cat Tests Positive For Cocaine

Animal management officers in Ohio could have sniffed out a real-life sequel to “Cocaine Bear,” this time regarding an unique serval cat.

Hamilton County canine wardens responded to reviews in January of a “leopard” noticed in a tree in Oakley. In order that they went to take away the animal and convey it to Cincinnati Animal Care.

Upon arrival, officers retrieved the animal from the tree and introduced it to Cincinnati Animal Care (CAC), although it suffered a damaged leg within the course of, in response to Cleveland.com.

A DNA take a look at confirmed the cat, whose identify was “Amiry,” was an unique breed generally known as a serval, CAC group engagement supervisor Ray Anderson instructed Cincinnati NBC affiliate WLWT.

“Our preliminary thought was the cat was a hybrid F1 Savannah, which is authorized to personal in Ohio, however our knowledgeable was fairly sure Amiry was a serval, which is prohibited to personal,” Anderson mentioned.

Serval cats are unlawful to personal in Ohio however not within the neighboring states of Kentucky and Indiana, in response to Cincinnati CBS affiliate WKRC TV.

Nonetheless, a unique take a look at decided one thing uncommon about Amiry: The animal examined optimistic for cocaine, although precisely how stays a thriller.

“Now, we will’t say how the animal obtained the cocaine within the system,” Anderson instructed Cincinnati Fox affiliate WXIX TV. “I don’t know if it was environmental or experimental.”

Amiry is now on the Cincinnati Zoo, which issued this assertion on Tuesday:

“The serval has been receiving veterinary care in our Animal Well being Heart since he was introduced right here. He’s doing effectively, and the subsequent step will likely be for our Cat Ambassador Program staff to work with him and decide if he’s an excellent match to be an envoy animal. He’ll possible be behind the scenes for some time.”

Though Cleveland.com reported the cat’s proprietor has been cooperating with officers and has not been charged, Anderson instructed HuffPost the investigation stays open, and issues may change relying on if extra data surfaces.