Owner Of Wild Animals Released Them Before Committing Suicide
Posted on Oct 19, 2011 @ 10:40AM
The owner of a wild-animal preserve -- that housed as many as 48 wild and exotic animals -- opened the pens and cages of his menagerie before killing himself, authorities in Zanesville, Ohio said during a news conference Wednesday morning.
The property owner, Terry Thompson, opened the cages and gates of the animals -- including bears, cheetahs, wolves, lions, camels, giraffes and a white Siberian tiger -- prior to giving himself a fatal, self-inflicted wound, police said, adding they were waiting on autopsy results.
Three animals are unaccounted for -- a lion, a bear and a monkey -- police said in a preliminary estimate. Authorities shot and killed about 30 of the animals Tuesday, and were under orders to shoot to kill during overnight efforts to round up the animals.
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Police told the public not to take any action if they spotted the animals; earlier Wednesday, Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz said locals should stay inside their homes until the situation was resolved, while road signs told motorists to remain in their cars. Three school districts cancelled classes in connection with the incident.
The late owner, Thompson, 61, had recently wrapped up a year-long prison sentence on a weapons conviction, and had been cited for animal abuse and neglect before, as well.
“Since 2005, we’ve been out there 16 times for reports of animals at large, 8 times for animal complaints and three times for animal cruelty," police told RadarOnline.com.
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Zanesville has a population of about 25,000, and sits about 55 miles east of Columbus.
The incident, the Humane Society of the United States said, shows the state needs to tighten up laws regarding the ownership of wild animals.
Another news conference is scheduled for 3 pm ET, officials said.
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The Daily Juice
Oct 19, 2011 @ 10:30
What a disgusting, selfish jerk! The entire community was put in danger and most of the animals had to be killed. Another reason why people should not be allowed to keep exotic/dangerous animals. What a shame.
Posted Wed, 10/19/2011 - 12:05pm
Ummm, wouldn't you have to commit suicide after releasing the animals, not before? Just saying....
Posted Wed, 10/19/2011 - 11:17am
It's sad that this man took his life. Why put people as well as his beloved animals at risk? Sad that these innocent animals have to be killed. I hope that Jack Hanna and his crew are able to save as many as possible. Senseless...
Posted Wed, 10/19/2011 - 11:16am
stay safe, mlw!
Posted Wed, 10/19/2011 - 11:13am
Author - you mean that first he released the animals and then he killed himself, not the other way around.
Posted Wed, 10/19/2011 - 11:06am
Author - you mean that first he released the animals and then he killed himself, not the other way around.
Posted Wed, 10/19/2011 - 11:06am
I live here in the area and once again Radar has it wrong. There are 9 animals unaccounted for. 31 have been shot and killed since yesterday including lions, bears, tigers, and wolves. Such a tragedy. Jack Hanna is on scene trying to help.
Posted Wed, 10/19/2011 - 10:50am