Injured zebra euthanized after traffic stop near Bloomington leads to discovery of more than 130 animals
Pennsylvania semi driver faces charges including cruel treatment of animals
MCLEAN COUNTY (25News Now) - A Pennsylvania man faces charges including cruel treatment of animals following a traffic stop last weekend by McLean County Sheriff’s Police.
A semi was pulling an animal hauler carrying an injured zebra, about 130 goats, a sheep and six cows, said police. The zebra was euthanized, according to authorities.
The traffic stop happened about 5 p.m. last Saturday, Sept. 24 on eastbound Interstate 74 between Downs and LeRoy, southeast of the Twin Cities. Sheriff’s Police put out a news release late Thursday afternoon about what happened.
The director of Bloomington’s Miller Park Zoo, who specializes in exotic animals examined the zebra, according to police. The next morning, police say local veterinarians and an inspector from the Illinois Department of Agriculture were consulted, and “it was determined that humane euthanasia was the best outcome for the zebra.”
The news release said the other animals were examined, and they were well enough to continue traveling to their destination, although the release does not say where the animals were headed.
Police said they arrested Judah Sliker, 44, from Pennsylvania for a traffic offense, in addition to cruel treatment of animals and possession of methamphetamine. Sliker was released on a notice to appear in court.
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