Michigan – On October 16, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reversed its decision to euthanize a visually impaired fawn known as Peanut. The fawn’s life was in jeopardy due to what is being called a “technicality.”
Prior to the agency’s change of heart, Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) Director Kelley Labonty said, “This poor animal is going to lose its life because of bureaucracy.” Peanut was living at the DAWG 25-acre sanctuary and was rescued when she was in “critical” condition and unlikely to have survived on her own.
Though most wild animals are released after being rehabilitated, Peanut was not destined for a life in the wild because of her limited vision. Instead, DAWG hoped to have Peanut be permitted to be an education ambassador. Because of a missed permit deadline, state officials said Peanut would have to be euthanized.
Thanks to public outcry and bipartisan support, the DNR reversed the deadly decision. Peanut will now get to be an ambassador for the Howell Nature Center who issued a social media post on October 17:
Ambassador Alert 💕
We are happy to announce that a new educational ambassador now calls our wildlife park home! Meet Peanut, a white-tailed deer fawn.
Peanut came to us a couple weeks ago after being deemed non-releasable back into the wild. Peanut started her journey with another licensed rehabber, Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), after she was found lying on her side, weak and unable to move.
Adding:
Peanut is currently living in a quarantine area out of public view where she is settling in and getting to know her new caretakers, who already love her dearly. She is adjusting well and exploring her new environment. Quarantining new animals is a standard practice to ensure animals are healthy and free of disease and parasites that could be transmitted to our existing animals. After quarantine, she will move to our deer habitat for slow introductions to our other deer, Isi and Jane.
Welcome home, Peanut. ❤️
Great work to everyone who fought for this fawn’s life!!
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