An Arkansas judge was hospitalized earlier this week after being attacked by a pet zebra, according to local reports.
Searcy police were called to the residence of White County District Judge Mark Derrick on Sunday after he was mauled by the zebra, which is owned by his father, MyArklamiss.com reported. Derrick was treated at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for injuries to his eye and arm. He is reportedly recovering in the intensive care unit.
Attempts to reach the family for comment were unsuccessful.
"You don't hear about it in Arkansas, let alone Searcy, Arkansas," Police Sergeant Steve Hernandez told the news site of the attack. "It's a rare call for us."
But neighbors say they are used to seeing wild animals on the 40-acre farm owned by the judge's father, according to MyArklamiss.com
"There are camels, the zebra, the buffalo," said Ruby Moye, who lives behind the farm. "It's unusual not to be able to see a lot of them out there."
Derrick's family also lets neighborhood children come and feed the animals, residents said.
It was not immediately clear what prompted the attack. While wild animals are illegal in Searcy, a loophole implemented before the farm became a part of the city limits makes it legal, according to KATV.
Law enforcement told MyArklamiss.com that Derrick has the option of pressing charges for the attack. But that means he would have to bring charges against his father and police do not expect the judge will pursue the matter.
