Headline News
Big cat escapes, OPP issue public safety warning
October 26, 2023
By Nate Smelle
As of the morning of Oct. 26, the African Serval Cat which escaped from a local sanctuary on Corrigan Road in Bonnechere Valley Township was still on the loose.
On Oct. 25 the Killaloe detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police released a public safety warning after learning that the animal had escaped following a request for assistance from the Provincial Animal Welfare Service to attend the sanctuary.
The OPP wants the public to know that the animal is a threat to public safety, as it “has the ability to attack mid-sized livestock and pets.”
The OPP has also acknowledged that if the animal should remain at large it is “suspected” that it will not survive as it does not have the ability to survive the colder months ahead. For those unfamiliar with what an African Serval Cat looks like, it weighs approximately 25 to 30 pounds and has a spotted coat with pointed ears.
They are asking members of the public to exercise caution in the area and report any sightings to police. If an emergency should arise as a result of an encounter with the big cat, they advise calling 911. The OPP has also asked that any questions pertaining to the investigation be directed to the PAWS.
Headline News
Brighten the Night Parade another yuletide success
By Michael Riley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Maynooth’s Brighten the Night parade returned Dec. 14, with a Christmas market at Emond Hall in the Hastings ...
Parking becomes more limited in downtown Bancroft
By Bill Kilpatrick For those who struggle to find parking in downtown Bancroft, things have now gotten worse. On or around Dec. 1, Bill Hawley, ...
Bancroft Legion donates $7,000 to local organizations
By Michael Riley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Bancroft Legion, branch 181 handed out cheques worth $7,000 on Dec. 13 to various worthy local organizations ...
Bancroft Santa Claus Parade a festive success
By Michael Riley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Bancroft’s Santa Claus Parade was another festive success, with 33 units (floats and walkers) overall participating and hundreds ...
Whitney Santa Claus parade will go ahead on Dec. 15
By Michael Riley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter This year, “the cutest little Santa Claus Parade that you’ve ever seen” is happening after all, after some ...
Remembering the École Polytechnique shooting
By Bill Kilpatrick December 6 marked the 35 anniversary the École Polytechnique shooting in Montreal. On that day in 1989 a man, armed with guns ...
Thank you for the music
By Bill Kilpatrick The 2024 North Hastings High School Christmas concert, called ‘Twas a month before Christmas, was held at the Bancroft Village Playhouse on ...
Hospice North Hastings Lights of Love Memorial exceeds expectations
By Michael Riley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Hospice North Hastings held its first annual Lights of Love Memorial on Nov. 29 at their Hospice house ...
Little Blue Cabins are not emergency houses
By Bill Kilpatrick Despite Kevin Taylor’s best efforts to get the word out it seems that people are still not fully understanding what exactly the ...
Tree lighting in Whitney rings in the festive season
By Michael Riley Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Back for its second year after a long hiatus, the tree lighting in Whitney was back on Nov. ...
