In Ohio earlier this week, authorities put down a zebra after it attacked a man and nearly severed his arm.
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The incident happened Sunday evening when 72-year-old Ronald Clifton called 911 and reported that a zebra had attacked him in Pickaway County. They were initially taken aback by his claim, and Clifton requested a helicopter after exclaiming, “Oh hell yes, I think he tore my arm off.” According to Too Fab, Clifton was found on the ground when officers arrived at the scene, and the zebra charged the door of one of the cruisers.
Responding officers stated that the animal was hostile and that the siren temporarily scared it away. Bodycam footage also showed officers asking a farmhand if there was a way to keep the animal away because they didn’t want to shoot him. The farmhand chased it away with a stick, but it reappeared. Clifton’s family instructed officers to keep looking at the animal instead of turning their heads.
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They also informed them they had permission to shoot the animal if it went too close. Moments later, the animal was shot down because it because “too aggressive,” as told by Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey. Clifton was rushed to a nearby hospital, and his family says he won’t lose his arm.
Why the zebra attacked is currently unknown, but authorities said it was the only male out of seven. Also, Ohio has no laws categorizing zebras as exotic animals, and the remaining animals will stay on the farm.
After Clifton’s story was posted online, social media users were stunned by the incident as it is rare to have “zebra” attacks in Ohio. One Twitter user wrote, “Honestly, I’d react the same way if I were forced to live in Ohio.”
People are assuming the zebra is dangerous because it’s a wild animal. Sure but horses kill people every year. Falling off horses accounts for 50-80% of fatalities but they also get kicked, bit, trampled, or crushed. I love horses but big animals can do a lot of damage.
— kris michael (@k___michael) March 15, 2023
I support Zebras and I support Ohio.
I do not support you owning a Zebra in Ohio.
If a you own a Zebra in Ohio, it should bite you.
That is the proper reaction for a Zebra that somehow ended up in Ohio.#Ohio #Zebras #AnimalAttacks https://t.co/9BP9i4JJFe
— Nacho Donut (@NachoDonut) March 14, 2023
Have they heard of tranquilizer darts in Ohio?
A zebra is basically a wild pony. Shooting it seems a bit excessive.
— Deo Gratias (News) (@Deogratiasnews) March 14, 2023
We need to remember, these animals aren’t pets and can only be partially tamed at best. They are not sweet ponies or horses. The fact that Ohio allows them to be pets is ill informed. Keeping them in captivity is a novelty that should be reserved for trained professionals.
— Kat’s Out of the Bag (@kathie88540347) March 14, 2023
“Zebras are not categorised as wild and dangerous animals by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, enabling them to be owned as pets.” Maybe that should change, IDK
— Max. (@Pierre27Milien) March 14, 2023