August 10, 2025

Community Protests Over Cat Seizure in Florence, S.C.

News Summary

Following the seizure of a feral cat named Pouncer by local police, residents in Florence, South Carolina, have organized protests to support the cat’s owner, Jeffrey Leibowitz. As the legal battle unfolds, concerns grow over the animal’s well-being while it remains in custody after being taken under the city’s dangerous animal ordinance. Community members and family supporters rally for a positive outcome in the impending jury trial, emphasizing Pouncer’s specific health needs amid controversy surrounding local animal regulations.

Florence, S.C. Community Protests Following Police Seizure of Prohibited Feline

In Florence, South Carolina, community members have come together in protest after local police seized a nine-month-old feral cat named Pouncer from its owner, Jeffrey Leibowitz. The incident followed a court hearing where Leibowitz faced charges related to the possession of a prohibited animal under the city’s dangerous animal ordinance.

The court hearing, which took place recently, ended with a continuation, leading to a scheduled jury trial that will proceed later this month. Following the legal proceedings, Sanyla Acosta, 17, and her brother Acyus McKeever, 23, traveled from Fayetteville to participate in a demonstration at the corner of West Evans and North Irby Streets. Acosta and McKeever expressed their concerns regarding the well-being of Pouncer, noting that the feline requires specific medications and is not in suitable living conditions at present.

Police and animal control officers were notified about the cat when it escaped from Leibowitz’s car, managing to free itself from four leashes and a harness. After Leibowitz reported the escape, he took to social media, posting a video on Facebook to rally support from the community for the search of his pet. According to an incident report, officers responded to a call regarding a “serval mix cat” loose in the neighborhood, where it was later discovered hiding in dense kudzu.

While searching for Pouncer, Leibowitz sustained visible scratches on his arms, reflective of injuries typically associated with handling a cat. During questioning, Leibowitz also noted that he was in the process of relocating to Alabama for a new job opportunity, which complicated matters as he was unable to provide a permanent address in that state. Ultimately, law enforcement cited him for possessing a wild and dangerous animal, following earlier incidents that had led to updates in the city’s animal ordinances.

The Florence Area Humane Society took custody of Pouncer post-seizure, and the cat has since been moved to a sanctuary to ensure its wellbeing. The city’s dangerous animal ordinance specifically prohibits various large and wild animal species, including servals, which are hybrids of domestic cats and servals.

As the community protests continue, Acosta and McKeever plan to return for Leibowitz’s upcoming trial, set for late September. The siblings voiced hopes for a positive resolution to the situation, while also raising concerns for Pouncer’s health, given the cat’s special needs.

Additionally, Leibowitz has initiated crowdfunding efforts to support his legal defense concerning the seizure of his pet. This action comes amid increasing scrutiny of the city’s animal regulations, particularly following an incident that involved Leibowitz being bitten by a venomous snake he previously owned. With the trial approaching, the community remains engaged, eager to see how this case unfolds in the coming weeks.