Winslow Township Police are warning people to be cautious and on the lookout for a large cat the size of a German Shepherd. They believe it may be responsible for the mauling death of a horse at a local ranch.
The attack happened in late September at the Double D Ranch on Watsontown Road in the Tansboro section of Winslow. The horse suffered fatal wounds to its stomach and back.
"One morning we walked out the door and there were all sorts of splinters and we have this damage to our door jam," Debra Walker said.
Walker lives next door to the ranch. She believes the same animal likely clawed or chewed the front of her house.
"What we heard was that it could have been a wild dog," Walker said.
Officials initially thought it may be a feral dog, but since then, residents across the township have been reporting the same sighting of a large tan colored cat. Police say it could be a cougar, but such animals are not indigenous to the area which is making the case that much more perplexing.
"It's a pretty scary feeling, that's why I keep my horses in and protected from the outside so that mine don't get attacked," Dan Glemser of Marlton said.
Glemser, a breeder, keeps two of his horses here at the ranch including Destiny's Princess. He says rumors are rampant in the township about what sort of animal may be responsible for the mauling.
"When I seen the marks on the horse, I thought it was something a little bit more vicious then a dog," Glemser said.
Glemser now makes sure his horses remain in their stalls. He and others are keeping their eyes open to make sure the animal doesn't attack again.
Police say if you see this large cat, report it immediately. Do not try and capture or kill it on your own.
