DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Macon County Animal Control said it is no longer "actively searching" for an African serval cat that has been on the loose in Decatur.Â
The wild cat was last spotted by teens who were on a walk Thursday evening in northeast Decatur.
The serval is named Reese and owned by Christopher Solomon.
WAND News spoke to Solomon who said he was disappointed that the cat was unable to be captured when it was spotted last week.Â
"Animal Control let him walk away," Solomon said.
The serval is still on the loose. Solomon believes that Reese has been staying close to Spring Creek.
A photo of the missing serval spotted by two teens on Thursday, Oct. 19
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It is unclear whether Solomon will be able to keep the animal if it is found.
Sergeant Ron Atkins, the administrator of Macon County Animal Control with the Sheriff's Department, said these types of animals are not permitted in the city.
"We've determined that you cannot possess a serval in the City of Decatur," said Atkins. "My understanding is that serval ownership would constitute having an outdoor enclosure to keep the animal in."
Call Animal Control at (217) 425-4508 Ext. 4 to report any sightings of the cat.
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