In December, a deer in Bloomfield was successfully rescued from a fence, but he needed medical care.  But since the rehabilitation centre is not allowed to rehabilitate any deer after October 1, and since humane medical euthanasia of deer  is not allowed since they are a "food" animal, the police were called to shoot the treatable deer to death.  The deer looked at the rehabilitation centre workers like "Why did you betray me?" just before being executed by a firing squad.  https://www.facebook.com/100064803783825/posts/1357040936466020/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has mandated the premature release of several fawns because they were born late in the season and labeled as not ready for release. Among them was a fawn deemed too young and vulnerable, essentially becoming potential prey for coyotes instead of being sheltered and cared for. This shocking decision came despite our pleas and requests for an extension to complete their rehabilitation process. Shockingly, the DNR’s response was unequivocal: no extension, just a command to kill them.

The harsh guideline demanding fawns to be released by October 1st coincides suspiciously with the onset of deer hunting season, putting these young creatures on a direct path to danger. This seasonal deadline not only compromises the safety of these innocent animals but also disregards their health and chances of survival. It is nothing short of a death sentence for fawns that are still too young to fend for themselves.

How can this be justified on any level? It is inhumane and unethical to allow such policies to continue, which prioritizes hunting schedules over the welfare of defenseless wildlife. It is outrageous that the DNR would prioritize deer hunting season over the life and well-being of these baby animals.

We need urgent action to change this regulation in Michigan. We need the DNR to implement more considerate policies that protect young fawns and provide them a chance at life. Let’s take a stand to ensure that no more fawns are sentenced to a premature and unnatural death. We must act to save these lives that hang in the balance.

Join us tomorrow in Lansing to voice against these unjust practices and advocate for extended rehabilitative care for our wildlife. Demand that the DNR reviews and changes this reckless policy anchored to the hunting season. Urgent reform is needed now.

Please sign this petition to support a change in policy, and help safeguard the young and vulnerable fawns from unnecessary and cruel deaths. Together, we can champion animal protection and ethical wildlife management.