Pet Bobcat Found in Stafford

The owner of a pet bobcat that escaped and had been missing since March 25th, faces a court hearing in Stafford Township Municipal Court this Friday.

Ginny Fine told the Asbury Park Press she found "Rocky" in woods near her home on Sunday, but after phoning police to let them know, animal control officers showed up with a court order and took the bobcat to Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township. The owner is upset her pet will end up staying at the zoo and said he has never been crated.

According to the Asbury Park Press, Police Captain Tom Dellane said the court order is based on a previous incident in which "Rocky" escaped back in October. Fine was issued an ordinance violation for having an animal running at large. Dellane said the owner agreed if the animal ever escaped again, it would be seized and held.

Police Capt. Tom Dellane said the court order removing "Rocky" was based on an order Fine signed back in October, the first time the bobcat ran away.

Fine is scheduled to appear in Municipal Court on Friday at 1 p.m. She told the Asbury Park Press she is willing to pay violation fees and accept responsibility for her pet escaping, but Fine said she feels the Township is punishing "Rocky"--and not her.