Woman arrested for forging rabies certificate to import cats

A woman appeared in court in the north on Friday, accused of having forged a rabies certificate to import two cats from overseas.

A police representative in court said the woman was arrested at Ercan (Tymbou) airport on Wednesday, with the rabies certificates attached to her cats, both of which are Maine Coons, suspected of having been fake.

The representative said the woman had told the police the certificates had been given to her by her father and a friend in Turkey.

She had reportedly also said she intended to sell the cats.

The police representative said their investigation into the matter had concluded, and that given that the woman is studying in the north, they would be happy for her to be released on bail.

Judge Jale Erguden ordered the woman to pay a 10,000TL (€277) bail, and forbade her from leaving the north, ordering that she have all her identity and travel documents confiscated.

In addition, she must report to her local police station once every two weeks. She will also pay a 1 million TL (€27,745) bond to allow her to be tried without arrest.

A Maine Coon is a large, domesticated cat breed, which originated in the United States state of Maine. It is famed for its size and its dense coat of fur, which helps it survive the harsh winters of the US’ northeast.

People often describe it as having “dog-like” characteristics.