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Thompson Appears To Have Planned Exotic Animal Release
By: Associated Press
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An Ohio sheriff's final report on the freeing of dozens of exotic, wild animals shows their owner told a caretaker he "had a plan" the night before the creatures were set loose.
The report released on Tuesday indicates owner Terry Thompson was troubled over caring for his animals and about being confined to his property after spending a year in prison on a gun conviction.
He also was upset that his wife was away.
Authorities say Thompson fatally shot himself after releasing the animals at his farm in eastern Ohio's Muskingum County on Oct. 18.
The report from Sheriff Matt Lutz indicates it's unclear how Thompson got the gun.
Police were forced to kill 48 animals, including lions and endangered Bengal tigers.