A deer with spray-painted graffiti on its side has drawn concern from locals in Pennsylvania. The deer appears to have no fear of people and has been trespassing on a West Cornwall Township property.
The Cornwall Borough Police Department learned about the deer after someone from the property called them. It appeared to be a very friendly animal.
"The deer was spray-painted on both sides of his body with fluorescent orange paint [with] the word 'PET.' He had no fear of anyone that was around and acted like it wanted the on-scene officer to pet it," the Cornwall Borough Police Department shared on Facebook.
Deer Mystery
"Mr. Deer hung around for about 45 minutes until he went on his way," the Cornwall Borough Police Department wrote. Ultimately, the animal was left on its own. Police officers didn't pursue the animal and decided to let it run free to wherever it wanted to go next. However, police do have a theory on exactly what caused the paint and why the animal was so friendly.
"State Game Warden Salsgiver came out, took a report, and advised that the most likely Mr. Deer was someone's pet that got too big and was let loose into the wild, the 'owner' applied the spray paint to keep it safe from hunters," the department shared. If found, the owner would be in trouble. It's illegal to own a pet deer in the state of Pennsylvania.
Locals expressed concern about the deer.
One wrote, "Leave the deer and the people that care for it alone. Go after animal abusers not those helping animals. Come on!"
Another wrote, "Who cares. Why are you spending tax dollars on this. Theres so much worse things happenign in this world then protecting an animal. This is insane. Shame on the police department"
And another wrote, "I hope it stays safe out there."
