Michigan DNR Orders Euthanasia of Rehabilitated Fawn Despite Educational Placement
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has ordered the euthanization of a rescued fawn, nicknamed Peanut, despite arrangements for the animal to live out its life as an educational ambassador at a licensed wildlife facility.
Peanut was initially taken in by Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), a no-kill animal rescue, after being found in critical condition. “She went through our rehabilitation program and got stronger and stronger every day,” said Kelley LaBonty, director of DAWG. While Peanut regained her health, staff determined her vision impairment meant she could not be safely released back into the wild. DAWG secured a placement for Peanut at another Michigan facility, intending for her to serve as an educational animal, but the DNR refused to approve the transfer. This case highlights the often-complex intersection of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation policy.
LaBonty contends the DNR’s decision stems from a misinterpretation of state law regarding deadlines for submitting paperwork related to educational permits. She explained that the September 15th deadline applied to rehabilitation extensions, not to animals transitioning to an educational role. “To just kill her for absolutely no reason — for some arbitrary date or miscommunication — is absurd,” LaBonty stated. The DNR is currently involved in litigation with LaBonty following a settlement in May regarding DAWG’s wildlife rehabilitation practices; you can learn more about the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and its regulations on their official website.
State Representative Angela Rigas and 16 other House members have sent a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer requesting intervention, calling the DNR’s actions government overreach. The DNR declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation, but the educational facility is now preparing for Peanut’s euthanization later this week if no reprieve is granted. Similar concerns have been raised regarding another unreleasable animal at DAWG, a coyote named Kota.
