Alberta Woman Fined $15K for Illegally Possessing Wild Cats

Alberta Woman Fined $15K for Illegally Possessing Wild Cats
Serval cat seized by Alberta Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services in November 2023 from an Okotoks, Alta., resident. Courtesy of the Edmonton Valley Zoo
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An Okotoks, Alta., woman has been fined $15,000 for illegally possessing two wild African cats she imported into the province for breeding, officials say.

Nikki Holmes pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled animal under the provincial Wildlife Act during an appearance at the Calgary Provincial Court of Justice on Jan. 15, according to Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services (FWES). An investigation by the agency found Holmes had purchased two serval cats in British Columbia and Quebec, and illegally brought them into Alberta with the intention of breeding them.