LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. – Police in West Cornwall Township are investigating after a deer with the word “pet” spray-painted on its body was found walking near a local business.
The Cornwall Borough Police Department said the antlerless male deer appeared in a business parking lot on Saturday. The word “pet” was painted in bright orange letters on both sides of the animal.
Officers said the deer showed no fear of humans. It approached the responding officer, remained calm even when sirens were activated, and stayed in the area for about 45 minutes before walking away.
A state game warden who responded to the scene told police that the deer may have been raised as a pet but was later released once it grew too large. Officials believe the word “pet” was painted on the deer to prevent it from being mistaken for wild game during hunting season…