10PM UPDATE:
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) – The Nebraska Humane Society said it confiscated approximately 60 animals from a West Omaha property, including a zebra, llamas, an emu and other livestock, after investigators determined the animals were being kept in unsanitary conditions without the required permits.
Steve Glandt, executive vice president of field operations for the Nebraska Humane Society, said the animals were taken from a property Thursday following a search warrant obtained by investigators.
"It was surprising to see a zebra in person. You know, that wasn't at the zoo," Glandt said.
Glandt said many of the animals were malnourished and the property near 195th and Pacific had unsanitary conditions.
"I could recognize that these conditions were not well suited for any animal, in my opinion," Glandt said.
Nebraska law requires a special permit for exotic animals. When asked whether one had been filed for the animals at the property, Glandt said no.
Investigators said they received a tip about the animals' conditions from Melissa Dalzell, who said she previously lived at the property but left in May.
"There was part of me that was worried, but, in the end, I just wanted to save the animal," Dalzell said.
Glandt said Dalzell's tip likely helped save the animals.
"We truly appreciate a person has that kind of compassion that would let us know, and so we could move forward and get these animals, the care that they deserve," Glandt said.
"That's all that matters to me, is that the animals got saved," Dalzell said.
No charges have been filed, but Glandt said he expects charges in the coming days.
Glandts said that most of the animals are in the Nebraska Humane Society's care, though some are being transferred to specialists. The organization is working with the zoo on a plan for the zebra.
6PM UPDATE:
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) – The Nebraska Humane Society confiscated about 60 animals — including a zebra — from a home in West Omaha near 195th and Pacific.
NHS' Executive Vice President of Field Operations Steve Glandt said investigators obtained a search warrant and entered the property Thursday to rescue the animals. They found malnourished animals and unsanitary conditions.
The animals included livestock such as goats and pigs, as well as exotic animals including llamas, an emu, and a zebra.
"It was surprising to see a zebra in person. You know, that wasn't at the zoo," Glandt said.
Investigators received a tip about the animals' conditions from Melissa Dalzell, who previously lived on the property and left in May 2026.
"That's all that matters to me, is that the animals got saved," Dalzell said.
Three neighbors, speaking off camera, said they had seen the animals on the property. One said it was like a petting zoo.
Glandt said exotic animals require special permits in Nebraska.
No one has been charged yet, but Glandt said he expects charges to be filed within the next few days.
Most of the animals are now in NHS care, though some are being transferred to specialists. NHS is working with the zoo on a plan for the zebra.
5PM UPDATE:
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) – The Nebraska Humane Society confiscated about 60 animals from a West Omaha property – including a zebra – after investigators found malnourished animals and unsanitary conditions.
Investigators received a tip about the animals' conditions, obtained a search warrant and entered the property near 195th and Pacific on Thursday and confiscated the animals.
The animals found on the property included livestock such as goats and pigs, as well as exotic animals including a zebra, llamas and an emu.
3 News Now's Jeremy Fredricks spoke off camera with three neighbors who said they had seen and heard animals at the property.
Most of the animals are now in Nebraska Humane Society care, but some are being sent to specialists. The organization is working with the zoo on a plan for the zebra.
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