– Servals should not be kept as pets. One cannot choose whether this is the case, said prosecutor, police attorney André Jacobsen, in his proceedings at Hordaland District Court, according to NRK.
In his proceedings, he requested 21 days in prison for the woman in her twenties who is charged in the case.
Should have been treated as a confession case
The owner has already confessed to the criminal act in an interview with the police. The case was therefore supposed to be treated as a confession case in the district court in October. But when the prosecution asked the court to formally confiscate Niño, the woman refused, wrote Bergens Tidende when the case was being heard in court.
The woman is charged with violations of both the Animal Welfare Act and the Nature Diversity Act. The serval is an endangered species and it is illegal to keep in Norway.
– Received Niño as a gift from God
The woman had the serval illegally imported in December 2021.
She explained in court on Monday that she is above average fond of cats and that she wanted the serval because she missed a close relationship.
– I thought that God created all animals. I thought I received Niño as a gift from God, actually. The time spent with him is the best thing that has ever happened to me, she said, according to Bergens Tidende.
– The accused has shown a strong criminal intent. That one believes they have noble intentions cannot have any significance in this case, said prosecutor Jacobsen in the proceedings.
In addition to the prison sentence, he requested the confiscation of the serval and that the accused should pay the legal costs.
Lived in hiding
Niño was discovered when he was observed outdoors in Os last summer. The police believe that the woman has contributed to transporting an exotic, endangered species into Norway and has kept it as a pet.
She had been living in hiding with the pet for a year when she was arrested by the police in September.
The serval has recently been in quarantine at the Zoo in Kristiansand and is planned to be relocated to Tangen Zoo in Innlandet eventually.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Animal Rights Expert Dr. Emily Johnson
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Johnson. Today, we’re discussing a recent court case involving a young woman who has been charged for illegally owning a serval in Norway. Can you provide some background on why keeping servals as pets is contentious?
Dr. Johnson: Thank you for having me. Servals are wild animals native to Africa, and they require specific environments and diets to thrive. They are not domesticated like traditional pets, such as cats and dogs. Keeping them in homes can lead to a range of issues, including inadequate care and increased risks to both the animal and humans.
Time.news Editor: In this particular case, the owner reportedly received the serval, named Niño, as a sort of gift or blessing, expressing a desire for a closer bond with the animal. How do you respond to sentiments like these?
Dr. Johnson: While it’s understandable to want companionship from animals, equating a wild animal to a domestic pet is fundamentally flawed. The notion of receiving an exotic animal as a gift can often stem from a lack of understanding of the responsibilities and legalities involved. Wild animals like servals need specialized care and cannot simply be treated as “friends” like cats or dogs.
Time.news Editor: The prosecution in this case asked for a 21-day prison sentence. Given that the woman has confessed and the serval is an endangered species, do you believe a legal precedent is being set about ownership of exotic pets?
Dr. Johnson: Absolutely. This case highlights the necessity of enforcing laws designed to protect both endangered species and public safety. In this instance, the woman’s confession acknowledges her understanding of wrongdoing, but legal action is essential to deter others from similarly flouting wildlife protection laws. It’s about making a statement that wildlife should be respected and left in their natural habitats.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of habitats, what are the implications for a serval being kept in a domestic environment, especially regarding their welfare?
Dr. Johnson: Keeping a serval in a home can lead to behavioral problems, severe stress, and health issues. They are naturally energetic and need space to roam, hunt, and exhibit instincts they would in the wild. When confined, these animals can develop stress-related behaviors, which can be detrimental both for the animal and for the owner, who might not be prepared to manage such challenges.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions that the owner violated both the Animal Welfare Act and the Nature Diversity Act. Can you explain the significance of these acts in protecting wildlife?
Dr. Johnson: Both acts are crucial for safeguarding animal rights and preserving natural biodiversity. The Animal Welfare Act emphasizes humane treatment and proper care for all animals, while the Nature Diversity Act focuses on protecting endangered species and their habitats. Together, they create a framework that discourages the ownership of wild animals like servals, ensuring that their populations are protected and that ecosystems remain balanced.
Time.news Editor: what message do you think this case sends to the public regarding the exotic pet trade?
Dr. Johnson: This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and ethical dilemmas of the exotic pet trade. It’s essential for the public to recognize that wild animals are not commodities or status symbols. Instead, they are integral parts of our ecosystem that should be respected and protected in their natural environments. Education about the risks and responsibilities of owning such animals is vital to curtailing this harmful trend.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for shedding light on this important issue. It’s clear that the conversation about wildlife conservation and responsible pet ownership is more critical than ever.
Dr. Johnson: Thank you for bringing attention to this topic. Awareness and dialogue are key to creating a more informed society!