Reports Reveal Thompson’s Run-ins with Law

Newly released documents are shedding light on exotic animal owner Terry Thompson’s past.

On Friday, the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office released reports that date back as far as 2004.  Neighbors complained that Thompson’s cattle were starving, and dead cattle were not removed from the property.

Two separate cases of a lion on the loose were also reported to the sheriff’s office.  As part of an investigation in 2008, officials from the Columbus Zoo observed unsanitary conditions on the farm as well as insufficient food and water for all of the animals.

Officials from The Wilds concluded that some of the cages were not properly secured, and the animals did not have enough space to exercise.  The Wilds could not seize the animals because none of them were suffering from life-threatening medical conditions.

Over the years, the sheriff’s office has received dozens of calls regarding Thompson’s horses on the loose.  When deputies met with Thompson on October 11th, he said he had no control over the animals while he was in prison.