[Daffynition]

This is an interesting *who-dun-it*. As time unfolds, hope they catch the criminals.

"It's a terrible situation, there's no doubt about that," ... "The loss of any animal's life is tragic. Of course, the loss of a human life would be even more tragic." ~Jack Hanna

[TSgt]

I heard reports that he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he released the animals.

Related thread:

Exotic animals escape Ohio farm; owner found dead
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2794829/posts

[nerdwithagun]

I saw them talking about it on the Today Show and they said the owner commited suicide and may have been the one who deliberately let the animals out. Hopefully, all the animals are caught and have someplace to go. Just don’t tell my mom. She loves animals (more dangerouse the better) and she’ll adopt the grizzlies, lions, wolves, etc and treat them like the labradors she babysits. I R not Noms...

[BerryDingle]

This story is very strange. It seems Muskingum County LE had issues with Thompson. They are using infrared and mowing down animals on sight.

[July4]

Like most Americans, I have an interest in the welfare of animals of all kinds. That said, I also think we need to SEVERELY limit the importation of exotic animals. Well-meaning caretakers and pet owners frequently have NO IDEA what an investment in time, money, and facilities they must make—for many, many years. And when they lose interest, their health fails, they can't find good workers, their income is insufficient, or zoning regulations hamper or preclude their operations, then tragedy generally ensues—for the animals, the owners, and the public.

[fulltlt]

This story was reported on WLS AM this morning. They said the LE had already killed 30 of them.

[30Moves]

Occupy Zanesville!

[waterhill]

Anothter reason to carry a sidearm or two.

[TexasCajun]

Thanks for posting,I was looking for this one.

PETA is not happy!

Jack Hanna, "You don't want to tranquilize a wild animal in the dark."

[Feline_AIDS]

One article Drudge linked to said the cops were cornering the animals and shooting them. I’m no animal rights anything, but that’s sad and I don’t like it.

[chris_bdba]

Terry killed himself,He just got out of jail on the federal gun charge 3 weeks ago and his wife of 30+ years left him recently.We think he just lost it and this was a big middle finger to the local/state and federal law enforcement community.We knew Terry he wasn’t a criminal.They have had a legal rescue for over 24 years.The charges for cruelty stem from a lion being loose and unreported in 2004 and they went through everything with a fine tooth comb to find any and all violations.We are basically on lock down here in Zanesville.The farm is 5.3 mi away on the other side of the woods from us.Pretty scary knowing there are 30+ animals out there that could eat you if they wanted to.

[Biggirl]

AMEN to what both you and what Mr. Hanna hanna had said. This is bad all around.

[Scythian]

BREAKING - PEOPLE OF OHIO REMAIN CALM, TED NUGENT IS BEING AIR-DROPPED INTO THE HOT ZONE AS WE SPEAK, EXPECT ALL CLEAR WITHIN 15 MIINUTE OF HIM HITTING THE GROUND

[Fire_on_High]

I have to agree...it’s terribly tragic, but it had to be done.

I don’t understand all the assumptions that the cops were gleeful over it, though. For all we know, they might greatly admire big cats/wolves/bears and be quite upset that they had to take one down in the line of duty.

Thing is, that’s what it is...duty. Someone mentioned what makes them more qualified...their duty is to protect the people and find a solution, which is what they did. All the blame for this belongs with the jackass who let them loose.