Norfolk residents fined after they were found keeping a big cat
They've also been banned from keeping animals
Two people in North Norfolk have been found guilty of keeping a big cat - and selling animals without a licence.
The pair were taken to court after a Savannah cat, which is related to wildcats found in parts of Africa, was found being kept on land in Corpusty.
Both have been banned from keeping animals - and will face fines of over ÂŁ15,000.
A North Norfolk District Council spokesperson said:
“We are very pleased with the sentence issued by the court. Breeding cats is a highly lucrative business, and it is important for the welfare of the animals, and the confidence of the public buying animals as pets, that the industry is properly regulated and that breeders hold the proper licences and are subject to all of the relevant inspections.
“It is very concerning that dangerous wild animals were being kept in the district without the proper licenses being in place. The dangerous wild animal regime is there to ensure that animals which could present a danger to the public are only kept by people with the proper competence and knowledge and that the accommodation is secure and prevents the animals from escaping.
“No dangerous wild animal licence would be granted unless the Local Authority and its appointed veterinary surgeon were confident that doing so would not present a risk to the community and would not be detrimental to the animal’s welfare. The Authority will not fail to act to ensure public safety and to protect animal welfare.”