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PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release:
October 20, 2021
For more information, contact:
Linda Lowe, Public Information Officer
Department of the Environment
(301) 836-2115
Prince George's County Files Charges Against Southern County
Zebra Owner
Investigating second reported death of zebra
LARGO, MD – The Prince George's County Department of Environment (DoE) Animals Services Division has filed criminal charges against the owner of a zebra herd in Southern Prince George's County for violations of the Prince George's County Animal Control Ordinance, Subtitle 3 of the County Code. These offenses include Animals at Large (Sec. 3-135); Cruelty and Neglect (Sec. 3-180); and Manner of Keeping/Nuisance (Sec. 3-131). All charges are related to the zebras at large. The Department's Animal Control Officers will work with the County State's Attorney's Office to carry these charges through the court system.
The DoE is also investigating the circumstances of the death of a zebra discovered on the property on October 19, 2021. DoE was notified that a news helicopter had observed what was believed to be a deceased zebra in an enclosure. Animal Control officers, who were scheduled to visit the premises later that day, immediately inspected the property and located the deceased zebra. The zebra is not one of the two roaming at large but part of the herd of 36 zebras housed on the property. The circumstances surrounding the death of this zebra are currently under investigation. There is no health risk to the community posed by the dead zebra or the remaining herd.
The investigations into the animal holding facility, how the zebras escaped from the facility and became at large, and the death of the zebra discovered in September after it got caught in a snare and died from its injuries, are ongoing. The DoE will release further information once the investigations have concluded. At this time, the DoE is not impounding the remaining animals housed on the property. However, the DoE is exploring all options, and potential partnerships with animal sanctuaries should the animals be removed.
Since the three zebras escaped in August, the DoE has inspected the property every two to three business days and will continue to monitor the health and safety of the remaining animals in the herd and any threat they pose to the community's safety. Drivers in the area should be cautious, and the public should not approach the animals as they may bite or kick. The public should also not feed or attempt to encourage the zebras to remain anywhere off the owner's property unless with the explicit permission of the DoE.
DoE Director Andrea Crooms advised that "the County's Animal Control Officers are committed to protecting the community and the zebras, and we continue to be hopeful that the animals at large can be safely returned to the herd."
The County continues to monitor the capture of the two at-large zebras and remains in discussion with experts regarding methods to capture and return them to the herd.
The public is asked to continue to report any sightings of the zebras to PGC311 or by contacting the Animal Services Division at 301-780-7200. Additionally, the agency is actively seeking the advice and engagement of organizations with expertise in keeping zebras. Those who wish to contribute expertise can reach us by email at doecares@co.pg.md.us.
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