Officers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have seized four exotic big cats from a Carroll County woman.

Authorities say the two Canada Lynx, a Caracal and a Serval are considered exotic animals and require special licenses.

Owner Sherry Carney tells WSB-TV that the cats lived inside locked cages surrounded by a locked 10-foot high enclosure. She says the cats are not a threat to anyone, and they've never gotten out.

DNR spokeswoman Robin Hill said the state had no choice but to seize the animals.
Carney said she's had a license for 20 years, but recently ran into a problem with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She says the federal agency was reviewing her case to determine whether they would renew the license.

Tags: Department of Natural Resources, exotic cats, Canada Lynx, Caracal, Sevral