Illinois woman wants her exotic cat back

CARROLLTON -- Authorities in Central Illinois have seized an exotic cat from a woman who was keeping it as a pet without a permit.

Tammy Ruehl of Carrollton says she wants her African serval back. She says the cat, named Max, has been with her since it was a kitten.

Servals resemble small cheetahs with oversized ears. In Africa, they live mostly solitary, nocturnal lives on the, eating rodents, birds and reptiles. They are about the size of a small dog.

Ruehl says authorities took the animal on Tuesday, telling her they were sending it to the Illinois Department of Agriculture. She says she received a $75 fine.

Carrollton Police Chief Mike Kiger says the state had the right to confiscate the animal.