Okotoks woman fined $15,000 for possession of wild cat
Servals are large, wild cats native to Africa, and they are classified as a controlled species in Alberta

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An Okotoks resident received a hefty fine following an investigation by Fish and Wildlife officers into the illegal import of two serval cats into Alberta.
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Nikki Holmes appeared in the Calgary Provincial Court of Justice on Jan. 15, where she was fined $15,000 after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled animal under the provincial Wildlife Act.
“The investigation determined that Holmes had purchased the servals in British Columbia and Quebec and imported them into Alberta illegally with the intention of breeding them,” Alberta Fish and Wildlife said on social media.
In an emailed statement, Fish and Wildlife said officers seized one serval cat after executing a search warrant at Holmes’ residence. A second serval — believed to now be at an undisclosed location in British Columbia — was removed by Holmes before officers arrived, according to the statement.
Greg Dunn, legal counsel for Holmes, disputes fish and wildlife’s characterization of the case.
“Alberta Fish and Wildlife’s allegations on Facebook that she was importing and breeding servals in Alberta were never proven in court, and Ms. Holmes steadfastly maintains they are false,” Dunn said in an emailed statement.
Holmes “strenuously denies” allegations that she was importing and breeding servals in Alberta, her lawyer says.
“Ms. Holmes admitted in court to having the one serval cat delivered from British Columbia (where it was legally possessed) to Alberta (where the laws are different and it is not permitted), in order to care for the animal while she received medical treatment for ongoing health issues,” Dunn said.
“It was obviously an error in judgment for which she has paid a significant fine in addition to having her beloved serval, Vampy, seized by the authorities.”
Servals are large, wild cats native to Africa, and they are classified as a controlled species in Alberta. They cannot be imported or owned without a special permit, which is typically only granted to accredited zoos.
Fish and Wildlife said the cats can be aggressive, difficult to care for and pose significant safety risks to the public.
The investigation involved collaboration with the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service and Quebec Wildlife Protection Service.
The Edmonton Valley Zoo has been caring for one of the confiscated servals, a male who turns two years old this spring. Zoo staff have named him Blade.
In a statement, the zoo said the cat has “thrived in the care of the zoo, has been successfully introduced to the zoo’s female serval, and will be remaining at the zoo.” Staff described him as a “confident, sassy gentleman” who has adjusted well to his new home.
The serval was seized by Alberta Fish and Wildlife in November 2023, according to the statement.
“As part of our commitment to support wildlife conservation, the zoo works with various stakeholders, including Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, to provide temporary or long-term care for confiscated wildlife, when able to do so,” the statement read.
The Edmonton Valley Zoo said the illegal wildlife trade poses a direct threat to the survival of species in the wild.
“When considering adding a pet to your family, please ensure you’re making a responsible choice,” the statement continued.
Wildlife officials urge the public to report wildlife violations by calling the 24-hour Report-A-Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 or online at alberta.ca/report-poacher.
The headline on this story has been updated to reflect that Holmes pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled animal under the provincial Wildlife Act.
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