Connellsville Township woman denied permission to keep bobcats
CONNELLSVILLE TWP. — Township supervisors have denied a resident’s request to maintain three bobcats at her Springfield Pike home.
On Friday, the officials notified Karen Osler that due to a variety of concerns, it would not grant her permission to house the animals within the township.
“Four animals are already located on the premises,” stated the letter, noting the property is home to a horse, dog and two deer. “The addition of three bobcats would cause additional undesirable odors and noise to abutting properties.”
The letter went on to state that additional urine and excrement could cause contamination or health hazards to the adjoining properties and that she did not have proper liability insurance on the property or for the animals.
Osler said that she would appeal the supervisors’ ruling and termed the action as “unfair and ridiculous.”
“I don’t understand,” she said Saturday of the ruling. “I thought I had everything in place and that there wouldn’t be a problem.”
Osler refutes the claims that additional noise and odors would be a problem as the three bobcats are litter-box trained. And, because the cats are spayed and neutered, any perceived howling by the animals during mating season would not take place.
“I’ve gotten nothing but compliments about how I take care of my animals,” she said. “I’m not getting where they are coming up with these arguments.”
Any necessary insurances, she added, would be secured after permission was granted.
It was not until the state Game Commission visited her property to preliminarily view a finished enclosure did she learn that township approval was necessary.
A hearing was conducted last week to hear testimony from Osler and other residents.
The Game Commission regulates the keeping of bobcats on private property. To make application, Osler had to provide a letter from the township stating that keeping the animals was not in violation of any local ordinances.
Tom Cesario, supervisor vice-chairman, said that he is assured Osler is qualified and well-trained in caring for large cats and that her neighbors are supportive of the housing of the bobcats.
However, it is the supervisors’ responsibility to consider the health and safety of all residents within the municipality.
“We just didn’t feel the property allowed for all the animals,” he said, noting the size of the property is less than one-half acre. “Bobcats are indigenous to this area and who is to say a wild cat would not be drawn to those on her property.
“We have to be concerned for everyone’s well-being.”
Osler, meanwhile, said that she will present a “stronger case” when it is heard at the court level.
“Anyone that wants to help me is welcome to contact me,” she said. “This isn’t over.”