(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Proposed legislation is in the works that would add one more breed to the list of animals that are illegal to possess in Illinois.
State Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, said his measure is inspired by the November 2023 escape of an African serval cat in Vernon Hills.
The pet went on a rampage for several hours before it died from injuries related to its capture.
“This is an emerging problem that’s happened in other places in the state. The reality is that these are wild, dangerous animals that are not appropriate to be kept as pets in a residential environment,” he said.
To put the breed on the state’s do not own list, Rep. Didech said he has been working with several animal rights agencies and organizations.
Also last year, a serval cat was on the loose in the Decatur area before it was captured by animal control officials.
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