A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Norfolk boxer over the keeping of an illegal part-wild hybrid cat.

Michael Walsh, 38, a professional featherweight boxer, was found guilty in his absence of offences under the dangerous wild animal act after he failed to attend a hearing at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court.

He was found to have kept a female Savannah cat and to have kept animals to be sold as pets without a licence. 

Eastern Daily Press: Savannah cats are crossbreed of a domestic cat with an African serval (pictured)Savannah cats are crossbreed of a domestic cat with an African serval (pictured) (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Savannah cats, a cross between a domestic cat and an African serval, have become particularly popular on social media owing to their striking looks.

But animal welfare campaign groups have argued that breeds that are part wildcat are unsuitable for most pet owners.

It is illegal to own a first generation Savannah cat without a special licence.

Magistrates issued an arrest warrant for Walsh, of Norwich Road, Corpusty, in order for him to be brought to court to be sentenced.