Owner of big cat who bit Santa comes forward

[December 11, 2008]  HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) -- Santa Claus won't need rabies shots after all.

A large kitty that drew blood after biting a volunteer Santa Claus at a charity event in New Jersey has been vaccinated.

The cat's owner, Christine Haughey, came forward and produced vaccination records after learning that Jonathan Bebbington might have to receive the shots.

The man playing the jolly old elf says the cat bit his wrist and hand after becoming terrified because dogs were nearby at the Santa Paws photo event for an animal-rescue group in Hamilton Township.

The 25-year-old Bebbington left after the cat attacked Santa.

Haughey tells WMGM-TV that the cat, Benny, is a mix between a house cat and bobcat.

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Information from: WMGM-TV, http://www.nbc40.net/

[Associated Press]

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