Two Maryland zebras still at large after owner is charged with animal cruelty

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — The owner of a herd of zebras was charged Tuesday with animal cruelty after three zebras escaped his Maryland farm, including one found dead in an illegal snare trap.

Jerry Lee Holly, 76, of Upper Marlboro has been charged with three counts of animal cruelty, news outlets reported. Holly is accused of inflicting “unnecessary suffering or pain on a zebra” and failing to provide the zebras with “nutritious food in sufficient quantity” or give them “proper shelter."

The exotic animal trader is the owner of a 40-zebra herd that was moved to Maryland from Florida in late summer, Prince George’s County Animal Services Chief Rodney Taylor.

Three zebras escaped in August and one was found dead last month, officials said. Animal control has been trying to catch the two zebras that remain at large by setting up a feeding station and an 8-foot corral.

A daring escape and tragic death:One of the Maryland zebras on the loose caught in snare trap

Charging documents state Holly was charged after the dead zebra was found just outside the fence enclosing his herd. If the caretaker had attended to the herd, it should have been seen or heard while dying, investigators wrote.

Investigators said another dead zebra was found in the farm’s enclosure on Tuesday.

Online court records don't list an attorney for Holly.