Lucky, a male southeastern myotis and Betty, a female evening bat were both brought to me for rehabilitation care on November 16,2024. I am a licensed wildlife rehabilitator specializing in bats. 
Lucky was missing his wing due to a machine in a welding and fabrication shop and Betty had a very bad break in her wrist and could not fly. Both injuries would deem them non releasable, but both bats were lively and in good spirits with injuries that could heal well and not cause pain. 

I also have a permit for captive wildlife for situations like this. Both Lucky and Betty would be great ambassadors for their species and live out their days here at my facility where l offered them permanent sanctuary.

I did a thorough presentation in-front of the FWC in September 2024 regarding non releasable bats with a focus on bat amputees. I provided them with medical data that proves these bats can lead quality, enriched lives and thrive in captivity. I was told that as long as I had a veterinarian letter stating the animal was non releasable and had a good quality of life,  there shouldn’t be a problem.

Both Lucky and Betty  healed well and I applied for them to be approved by the FWC, which is the protocol here in Florida. 
Although the rules stated I only required one vet letter, to be thorough, I took both Betty and Lucky to 3 different vets and all 3 signed off and approved. The only thing left to do was sign off myself and have the FWC come and approve the bats.

All documentation was provided and protocol was followed.
Monday January 6th, the FWC came to inspect the bats and instead seized them. I was told they were getting a 4th opinion from a vet of their choice, but that then turned into the bats having to stay at the vet office for a week. 
I explained this  was not good for the bats and that Betty especially eats a special diet of soft food and does not eat worms, the regular diet of most bat species. This is common for her species. I gave the FWC some soft food for Betty to take with her. 
I didn’t hear anything until late that afternoon when FWC told me the bats were staying at the vets for up to 4 months and she transferred them to their care. The FWC also told me that the vet would not take Betty’s food. This means Betty is not eating.

Bats in general, would not fare well in a high pace, high stress environment with people that are not experienced in bat rehabilitation. The vet overseeing their care mainly works with birds is what I have been told. They will not tell me the name of the vet or their location . 
The vet has told FWC that Lucky should be euthanized and Betty should have surgery to fix the wrist fracture. 
Despite 3 veterinarians, one of who has 30 years experience with bats, signing off that these bats are non releasable, their injuries are not fixable and they both have high quality of life, FWC is choosing to listen to the one veterinarian that works with birds that is saying the opposite.

We have a lawyer drafting a letter and our expert bat veterinarian reaching out directly to the Lieutenant to ask to stop the euthanasia for Lucky from happening and stop the unnecessary surgery that will cause Betty pain, until she has a chance to speak to the appropriate person to stop this from happening. 

The clock is ticking for both Lucky and Betty.

Lucky and Betty have been through enough and deserve to be returned to live out their days at the facility where they were thriving.

Please sign and share to demand that Lucky and Betty be returned to their home  where I have offered permanent sanctuary for both of them under my captive wildlife permit.