I think the State should find better things to do than waste the taxpayers' money murdering a helpless animal that couldn't survive in the wild.
I don't think I'll sleep tonight running my mind about the injustice and absurdity of even considering euthanasia. The animal is happy, the people are happy, so why does that State have to intervene? Bucky could go to a wild-animal shelter, and the family should be allowed to keep Snowball.

I think that the deer should be returned to the Oregon couple. Give me a break if you put the animals back in the wild they will surely become lunch for some predator animal. What the **** is wrong with you people, the animals were happy and healthy where they were at. We can't always have the PC, wild animals are wild approach to all the animals. Some animals need the help of a caring Humans. The Panda bears, Polar bears and other wildlife are being cared for outside of the wild. Return these animals to the Oregon couple now.

I think it was ridiculous that they took the deer away and then said they were considering putting the animals up for adoption. They were already adopted- what more do they want. Snowball could not be returned to the wild and was living a full life where she was. What more could you ask for?

This is completely unbelievable and outrageous! The animals should be returned to the people that love them. Is it possible for people in Government positions to have any common sense at all? Government needs to stop interfering so much in people's lives; so much for the thought of having a free country. This is an excellent example of poor decision-making in Government and a waste of our precious tax-payer dollars.

It's absurd and another example of why this country is no longer as free as we think it is. I would imagine even Iraq or Iran doesn't have laws like this... They would probably laugh. The real dumb and wild animals are in charge of the state wildlife dept. It is sickening that these "laws" come in one size fits all with no regard to circumstances. I hope the family gets their beloved pets back. My hopes and prayers are with them.

That poor animal was raised from baby to adult, by people who love it, in a large area, How can the Government permit such horrible thing to happen, that Poor deer showed people happiness, and was saved and now will be MURDERED how can they look at theirseves in the mirror knowing they are MURDERING a animal that was saved, by HUMAN BEINGs, those people sure don't have a brain one.. to my way of thinking. that is unforgivable act of MURDER

I think that the family has taken care of this deer for 5 years. The deer is family the fish and wildlife should worry about other things than that. I guess they must not have anything better to do like stop poachers or things like this. I think if there where more people raising deer for fish and wildlife and letting them go hunting would be alot better. I think this really shows the younger generation how things really are. I think they should beable to keep this deer. Just my opinon on it!

i agree with all so far. this is just stupid that they would take them away from a loving and caring family. the will more than likely be killed by another animal of hunter because they cant survive on there own. if i were the owners i would fight like hell to keep them. theres no reason that they shouldnt have them. they are taken care of and loved. just another show of how stupid our officals are and how they have nothin better to do than f with the good people

this is very upsetting! WHAT NEXT PUT THE HOMELESS TO SLEEP OR DO THAY OWEN THEM TO!

I cannot believe this is happening. Give the animals back to the family that "saved" it's life, that rescued it, that raised it to a better health than it could have ever had in the wild. THose poor animals will never stand a chance in the wild..and now taken from its home and away from its family..a 2nd time, will surely suffer. Give the animals back to the family that saved them and move on to something that really needs to be addressed. This is sooooooooo stupid.

I Think That They Should Be Able To Keep Snowball and son because if it was in such a loving and caring family, i mean its just dumb

I can't believe they took the deer away from someone who obviously loves them and is taking good care of them. The deer only trust and love them and will not survive in the wild and will not be better off in a zoo with someone who doesn't know them. Give them back and leave good people alone. Go after people who poach and abuse animals!

Let them keep Snowball...if the deer was being kept in an apt, or was causing a disturbance that would be one thing, but there is no harm being done, and taking him to put back into the wild means sure death for a family's pet deer.
More energy should be spent on animals that are being abused, such as the pet shelters that have 5-6 cats held in pet carriers, stacked one on top of the other... those problems need more attention than this issue!

I think the family needs to find a zoo or preserve to take the deer in. Why after 6 years is the DNr having a problem. Also, who decided to have a problem with this and complained to the Dnr

I think they should let the couple keep the deer. If they are being taken care of and there are no health problems. Releasing a crippled deer back into the wild is just sentencing it to death. I have been a hunter for over 40 years and I feel that these animals should be left with this family and protected.
If the state has to, let them check on the condition of them every year and make sure they are well cared for.

Snowball was taken from the only home she knew, which from what is written, seems to be a loving, safe and appropriate environment - for what benefit? Maybe someone should do the same thing for the people who made the decision that they had 'power' to remover a 'family member' (pets are very much members of the family and there is very real sorrow if a pet is taken away) from someone's home where no abuse was present and see how they feel. We should demand that the supervisor who made this decision be removed from their position and given to someone with a bit more wisdom. I say, give Snowball back to the Oregon couple and try to find something worthy of our tax dollars to spend your time on, like saving the spotted owl.

they broke the law and this is the result like it or not. why are people so up in arms over this deer being sent out in the wild and getting its butt shot off yet the blog before this one is about the troop withdrawl and so far only one person besides myself has commented on our troops being sent over there to get thier butts shot off.
it amazes me that so many more people will get up in arms over this stupid deer while this war drags on. want to solve this deer issue? just 2 words " mulligan stew" its getting towards that time of year.

This is just another example of unnecessary cruelity and absurdity. Snowball and Bucky are fine, and with people who care and love them. They are not a danger to anyone, or causing any disturbance. There is no way that either of these animals will survive in the wilderness, and NO need to remove them from the life they have.

This is just INCREDIBLY IGNORANT!

Just another fine example of the old saying "If you can't find a job, work for the government". These people are idiots. Responsible decision-making? Give me a break...

I think the state has done an injustice to the deer and the family that has saved it. What is huminaty coming to when we kill animals because they can't live in the wild even though a family has opened their home to save this animal. Isn't that what we are suppose to be all about in this world. We should all help the helpless and that includes animals. I believe the state is wrong in this case and should take each case like this on an indivial situation. Rules should not be set in stone different situations call for different actions. That state should learn a little compation. Lets not be murderers!

here is the email address for Oregon Dept. of Fish and Game
ODFWcommission@coho2.dfw.state.or.us

I think it is ridiculous to take two healthy deer from a loving family that has taken care of them for so many years and try to return them to the wild knowing that if they do not survive that they will be put down. I am outraged! Return the deer to the family that has taken care of them for so long and let them be happy. I am sure there are other people out there that are abusing their pets that you can go pick on.

I think it is cruel to take these animals away. Dont they have anything better to do. I think the people in the state that pay taxes should think about who made this choice to take these animals out of the home that took great care of them. It sounds like our tax dollars again are being wasted. I have hunted for many years now and I pay fish and wildlife over $400 on tags and stuff myself. If alot of people stopped hunting they would be hurting for certain. Mabye they cant drive that fancy truck or have thoose toys they have sitting there to use. Anyways I know they have to have something way better to do with there time. And our tax paying dollars.

Why just pick on this couple if your going to steal peoples animals?

I know for a fact that there are plenty of other people in Orgeon who are currently taking care of sick/wounded wild animals, why not take all their animals as well?

Why did this one family get singled out? And since when the hell do animals belong to the state? Does that mean that the raccoon I saw dead on the side of the street the other day belonged to the state? Where was the raccoons assistance? I bet you someone who works for the Oregon government just wanted to eat a white deer.

Sometimes enforcing a particular law causes more problems then ignoring a law being broken. That's not to say I'm an advocate for breaking the law; I actually tend think in terms of "black and white". But this is a situation that really didn't need attention, in my opinion. Give the owner of the deer a license to operate a zoo, for legalities sake, and leave them alone!

when it comes to wildlife things do get bizarre, one time i was driving down a country road on the way to work and suddenly there was a car behind me with a flashing light, the light looked little and when the uniformed guy came up to my car i noticed his baggy uniform didnt come with a gun.
i asked him about it and he said he was with the dept of fish and game so "why did you stop me?" he explained back down the road i had driven by a dead pheasant and thought i was out collecting road kill for thier feathers. about then i made a remark about his stupidity then drove off. aparently this is a problem and somehow i can see how some idiot had made it one.

this is so inane that it makes me ill to have to make a comment. I will echo the other responses about the animals having a safe careing environment, etc., what is the game department protecting?? whose lobbies might be jeopardized if the animals actually had a value and voice. What kind of power is being weilded here. Certainly none to really protect the wildlife.

It is outrageous that the wildlife department did this! When I was a kid my dad called our wildlife department when he came across a dead doe with her living baby standing by her, the officer's comment was that nothing could be done and to just let nature take it's course; meaning let the baby die. My dad decided not to listen to the officer and brought the fawn home. We raised her for awhile and then he gave her to a friend who lived on a farm. If these people want to take on a loving role and rehabilitate this deer then leave them be! I think that Snowball and Bucky should stay with the family that raised them. As for the department of wildlife: Why don't you get out there and bust the poachers who are causing these problems in the first place!!!!

Another case of low IQ people working in positions of "power" not being able to think outside the box. "The law says no to citizens keeping wildlife as pets and, By Gad, I'm going to see that the law is adhered to...with no exceptions." The victims are the poor deer, both of them, already imprinted to interact with humans for companionship, shelter, and food. Look at poor ole Keiko the Killer Whale...he never could relate to others of his species and died because he was trying to be near his beloved humans, never realizing it was the humans who condemned him to a lonely death with their bleeding-heart, not-well-thought-out mentality of "return Keiko to his pod." I send my sympathy the compassionate people who rescued the sure-to-die doe fawn, spending much money on her, and raising her with love, only to be screwed-and-tattooed by a disgruntled family member (shame on you, you nasty family member, for being so vicious) and ignorant, single-sighted Oregon Fish and Game Dept. employees.

How cruel can people be? These deer were being given a wonderful, loving home by wonderful, loving folks that had saved Snowball. They have spent time, love & money on these animals -- at no cost or concern to the governing bodies of OR. Leave things alone -- government!! These animals were in the best place for them & for their guardians. Give them back & go on to something that really needs your attention.

I just think this story is sad in so many ways. Yes the people in question did go against a law that was set in place for a reason, there is no excuse for that. But, if the plan is to just send the two animals to another place if they can't handle living in the wild...why not just take them to the place that they were taken from?! It is clear that the people who had been taking care of Snowball knew what they were doing and that the little deer was happy. So I think the little thing should go back, because there is no way that she could live in the wild with a coat like that. And it would be sad to find out a week or so later after letting her go that she was killed.

I think all of you that live in Oregon should call your senators and governor to say how upset you are over the issue. Then hopefully will there come change. Remember that you were also the ones that voted them in as well. I do think that taking away the animal is terrible. It just shows you how much the goverment wants (is) in the daily lives of the people.

Since we allow people to own potentially dangerous animals such as large snakes and pittbulls. I wonder why we can not allow a family to own a couple deer. I am in favor of the family keeping their deer.

Did Oregon compensate these people for vet bills, food, and time taken to care for "Oregon's property" for 6 years? Doubt it.
We are appalled and sent an e-mail to Oregon to raise the above question. Also told them that Oregon F & G apparently manned by officious, power hungry people -- no common sense; no compassion. Perhaps when these officials can no longer care for themselves they would agree it would be okay to be euthanized.

I think it is un-fair. If the family loves them and cares for them properly why shouldn't the deer be returned to them? They weren't hurting the deer! They saved Snowball! Why shouldn't they get their animals back?!

The deer should be given back to the people who love them and have taken good care of them. The law should worry more about the animals who are not taken care of and abused and go after the people who don't care. This world seems to work backwards in more ways than one. We all know if the deer were returned to the wild they wouldn't last long. They are tame and pets that are loved.

Snowball can't be returned to the wild, the family helped her with her back legs, not wildlife officials. She stays there by choice it seems. Let nature take its course...maybe this is the course that nature intends in this case. Shouldn't we focus more on the fact that those animals are losing their homes? People are discarding their drug wastes in the wild and parks. Construction keeps going. We are even losing our trees in the national parks. There has to be a balance. Let the officials go and check on them once a year to make sure everything is okay.

Did Oregon compensate these people for vet bills, food, and time taken to care for "Oregon's property" for 6 years? Doubt it.

Posted by: William A. Carter at September 14, 2007 06:15 AM

THEY BROKE THE LAW!! that would make as much sense as compensating addicts for all the money they invested in drugs and now its all gone because they got arrested and are now rehabbed and have to start all over. jeezus!!

For crying out loud! Give the family a permit and leave them alone. They have actually appropriately cared for these animals, with vets assistance. I am a wildlife lover and understand the realities of nature, and usually go along with leaving the critters alone. However, in this instance, the deer would be better off being with the family as they are well cared for and are allowed to rome some. The deer have people who really care for them, not some idiots. Gail

Why is it that hunting permits are issued to kill deer and someone who has a kind heart and takes in a deer, is not allowed to care for it properly. What justice is this? This family has nursed this deer to the point that it can walk and now the state steps in and takes it away and is also going to kill the deer and it's off spring. Let the family have the deers back so that they can continue to live a happy and full life. How would you like it if someone did this to you? Is killing innocent deers that are being provided for necessary? If you are so concerned about the welfare of these animals why not give them to a petting zoo if you are not going to give them back to the only family they have ever known.

I certainly agree these animals should be returned to the family who loves them and has cared for them but remembering you are dealing with the state and they could care less. I am in the state of Washington but willing to march for the cause, how about it???

Have the people in charge of the Oregon State Wildlife lost their collective minds!!!!! Send the deer back to the people who have loved and cared for them. I am so upset to think these people would even consider euthinasia. And to comment on the post concerning worrying about silly deer when the war rages on, there is room in my heart to be very upset about both issues. Animals have no voice and they are many times at our mercy.

I definatly think that since the family was the one that cared and took snowball in, they should definatly have the right to keep her. No one else took her in, let alone cared, and they did. But now that she's healthy, suddenly everyone is making such a fuss? It's stupid. GIVE THE DEER BACK. It's part of the family, and I for one would hate it if someone came to my home saying, "We have to take your cat because she's beautiful." Snowball is a beautiful doe! And she belongs to that family! Try to think from their point of view... how would you feel?

I don not think that the state should have taken the deers in the first place. They should have given the these good people the opportunity to get the permits needed to house the deer rather than just taking them away. It is just like the state to act before they think.

While it is illegal to own a deer, in snoballs case the state screwed up big time. Just look at that helpless and beautiful little deer, it's laughable they didn't think of the reaction this would get. Let Snoball go home and live the life she deserves. She shouldn't go anywhere else either, send her home!

let me get this straight..the people that are suposed to look out for the well being of animals..wanted to release a deformed animal which they know,(because they are the experts) that the animals cannot outrunits preditors so it will die..they decide that since the owners will not release the animals they will take the animals and euthanize them because they know the animals will not survive in the wild.. does that make them the preditors.separating the animal fron the herd so they could kill it.hmmmmmmmm I dont think it is aginst the law to use common sense to see that dead is dead and alive is alive no matter who has the animal

These poor family members.(including the deer) There are so few people left that will help others. Most people won't even take care of their own family. I suppose that the officials only understand guns and euthenization. What the deer need is for their humans to take a trip to a sporting goods store. Buy a deer tag and attach it to a collar on their neck. On hoof or in the freezer (eeeuuu) they are yours.

God bless us all with their wisdom.

Cheryl Glathar Medford, Oregon

I have spent several years as a licensed wildlife rehabber, specifically raising and rehabbing blacktail deer. I know from experience that all vet fees, food, care, and complete financial responsibility lies solely with the rehabber. NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS OFFERED in any way for the needs of the orphan deer left in my care by the Dept of Fish and Wildlife. When I asked why, I was told the deer belong to the people, not the Dept. As one who has spent thousands of my own personal dollars to meet the needs of the deer in my care, I realize very few private citizens are willing to invest their time, money, and efforts for such a cause. The deer are indeed imprinted as are all the fawns I have raised. You cannot bottle feed a fawn every 2 hours around the clock and not make contact. Imprinted deer are very affectionate, responsive, and incredible animals. Yes, these deer in your article were meant to live free as God intended.... however, all the deer I have raised have been put into the unnatural position of having to be raised by a human, by humans themselves.The deer in your article are indeed fortunate to have been in the care of the couple how have been raising them. The doe surely would have died in the wild as a crippled fawn. Her offspring will stay by her side for as long as she lets him. The herds I have raised and interacted with stay together for their whole lives.... or until a human or predator intervines. Releasing the doe with her unusal markings will surely make her a target for hunters...she will not know how to forage on her own and may very well perish over the winter months. The animals look very healthy to me... much healthier than the animals the Dept of Fish and Wildlife bring to me. I applaud them and their efforts. Give the animals back to the couple who REALLY have their best interest at heart and are the only ones who really love them for what they really are.

Here is the email address, telephone number, and mailing address to the Directors Office for the Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife. Make your feelings known
ODFWcommission@coho2.dfw.state.or.us

Director's Office
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
3406 Cherry Ave. NE
Salem, OR 97303
503-947-6044
503-947-6042

Look folks, deer are wild animals just like bears, cougars, racoon's and such. Just because you see it as harmless and cute doesn't change that fact. Some people can make the same argument with lions and tigers that are raised from infancy but you probably wouldn't be throwing your arms in anger saying "hey, return that tiger to the people who raised it!" Of course not so understand that the people who took care of the deer did a good deed and eventually the animals need to be released back into the wild if at all possible. The ODFW do a great job and are in the business of preserving wildlife, let them do it in peace.

Look folks, deer are wild animals just like bears, cougars, racoon's and such. Just because you see it as harmless and cute doesn't change that fact. Some people can make the same argument with lions and tigers that are raised from infancy but you probably wouldn't be throwing your arms in anger saying "hey, return that tiger to the people who raised it!" Of course not so understand that the people who took care of the deer did a good deed and eventually the animals need to be released back into the wild if at all possible. The ODFW do a great job and are in the business of preserving wildlife, let them do it in peace.

Posted by NWCN | 11:49 PM| Comments (51)
Continue reading "Oregon family's pet deer siezed by state."

Withdrawing Troops
Posted by NWCN | 12:02 PM| Comments (2)

im sure it would make our troops over there either sweating thier butts off or getting them shot off feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that so many people are this much more concerned about these 2 stupid deer than them coming home.

What a heartbreaking story! I beg wildlife
officals to do the RIGHT THING and please
return the deer to the loving family that
has cared for them. It is in the BEST INTEREST
of the animals and these wonderful people!

these deer can feed alot of homeless!! now lets have dinner!!

The family knew very well that keeping wild animals as pets was illegal, so it should come as no surprise that the animals were seized. The care of wild animals, no matter what, should be left to the authorities who have the proper expertise and resources.

Also, how did this story become yet another platform for Iraq war opposition? I don't understand why people must connect to the war everything they perceive as wrong. This has nothing to do with the war - get a life!

blow me!

How come everyone's so worried about the deer, but nobody's worried about the hungry predators who missed out on dinner because someone "rescued" their meal? What, aren't predators cute enough?

please return the deer to the family where she belongs

that deer is not going to survive with FW

They allow people to keep cougars as "pets" but not deer?

By the way, why on earth did these people breed this deformed deer? If she was a baby when they "took her in", what made them think breeding her was a good idea? Maybe we are (again) not getting the whole story............

By the way, why on earth did these people breed this deformed deer? If she was a baby when they "took her in", what made them think breeding her was a good idea? Maybe we are (again) not getting the whole story............

Posted by: dar at September 18, 2007 01:19 PM
_______________________________________________

ya suppose this is why they passed laws against this sort of thing because its been tried before and maybe didnt pan out so well?

this is the e mail responce i got from the ODFW

We have received your comments regarding the two black-tailed deer that were being held illegally at a private residence in Molalla. We are working to find a solution that recognizes the families’ attachment to the animals, but is in the best interest of the two deer and all of Oregon’s wildlife.

Director Roy Elicker has publicly stated that the two deer will not be euthanized. State veterinarians are now caring for the deer. They are assessing their health and determining whether they have any diseases that may be harmful to them or to other wildlife. Those results are expected sometime this week.

The veterinarians are also evaluating the ability of the deer to survive in the wild. In all cases, the preferred solution is to return the deer to their native habitat.

Oregon law recognizes that wildlife should remain wild by prohibiting private possession of wild animals. This protects the public, other wildlife and the animals themselves.

The buck in this case has reached sexual maturity, is aggressive and poses a potential threat to the family and the public. Wild animals that are raised around people lose their natural fear of humans. The majority of the wildlife attacks on humans are by deer and other animals that no longer fear humans.

Private possession of wildlife also puts Oregon’s other wildlife at risk. Chronic Wasting Disease and other diseases can be traced to situations where animals are kept in captivity. Fortunately, Oregon has not had any cases of this disease which is fatal to deer and elk.

Deer hair loss is another devastating disease that has had significant impacts on Black-tail deer populations. We are taking every possible precaution to prevent the introduction of diseases which could potentially devastate our wild deer and elk populations. Prohibiting private possession of wildlife is one way to prevent this from happening.

The law does allow for the licensing of facilities that are equipped to properly provide long-term care for captive wild animals. These facilities have ample room for the animals to roam and to graze on natural vegetation. They provide adequate and proper feed. Their staff is properly trained and equipped to respond to any situation that may arise. This ensures that deer, elk and other animals held at these facilities receive humane treatment.

In closing, we are exploring all of the options available under Oregon law. We are committed to finding a solution that provides proper care for these two deer, protects public health and all of Oregon’s wildlife.

Under state law, removing or capturing wildlife and keeping wildlife in captivity without a permit are considered Class A misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $6,250 fine.

So a person finds an animal that cannot survive without vet help.
option.leave in road to die because it it illegal to take home.
take to fish and wildlife they determine animal cannot survive in wild so they euthanize..result of following law.dead dear.
option... take animal hame and at personal expense rehabilitate, pay all vet bills and food bills out of pocket result of not following law=live happy well fed healthy animal...seems like compassion vs the law............. compassion should be the rule..........give the family a permit to care for the dear as a reward for keeping an animal alive that surely would have died....by no means does any one believe that the strangely colored dear will make it in the wild ..do the dept of wildlife people think the public is stupid?

For real? Nothing better for our government officials to concern themselves with? Wow. No harm was being done, so no action should have been taken. They feed, care for, and comfort these 2 deer and "They" come in and tear the family apart, and yes pets are like family. Instead of us all just typing in here, we need to call the Ph. # posted. TY

I think that is the most inhuman thing you could have done taking that poor little Deer Snowball and her Bucky away from their family.

Who brought you up anyways? What planet are you from? I hope you are no one's parent because you have NO HEART AT ALL.

You deserve to be punished or fined for this horrible behavior. Those people should be praised and given donations for all they do instead you have caused them so much heartache. What are you doing for animals anyways? Go get a different job. We need people who care looking after the animals on this earth like the people who took Snowball in the first place.

At least do something about your mistakes and fast.

Lenore Mann

What a ridiculous way to phrase this: two black-tailed deer that were being held illegally =
Held illegally - what are you talking about and referring to. These people hardly held these deer like they were prisons or in a zoo and selling tickets. Honestly. Watch your wording here - those people cared for these deer - they were part of their family. You don't say people held their children or held their dogs. So get it right.
You sound exactly like I would expect someone who did take these two little pets away from their family would talk like. You could have left them there and still run your tests. I am sure those animals were already tested by a Vet. Under the laws I suppose you do have the right to do some tests but you did not have to remove them in order to take a blood sample or take their temperature or examine their gums etc. I have been a Vet assistant and you do not have to remove them to do many of these tests to know they are healthy and who tests the animals in the forest. Find something better to do for animals with your time and Oregon's money.
Lenore

It doesn't surprise me about the stupidity of the government workers who cannot think outside the box. This is supposed to be a free country and those people are good stewards of God's creation and they need to be given back what God gave and entrusted them to care for.

And all this time spent on such a ridiculous issue has put how many books back in the schools? How many roads have been fixed?

Ya..ZERO which is exactly what our government gets... a big PHAT ZERO!!

IT SEEMS TO BE OK FOR PUPPY MILLS, DOG & COCK FIGHTING,BUT GOD FORBID SOMEONE TAKES THEIR OWN LOVE, TIME, CARE & MONEY TO DO WHAT THEY FEEL IS HUMANE! WHAT, THE STATE ISN'T GETTING THEIR CUT!!! MAYBE IT'S TIME FOR ALL AREAS OF THE GOVERMENT TO DO A MORALITY CHECK. BECAUSE FROM WHAT I SEE, THERE ARE NONE...JUST THINK, THEIR SETTING EXAMPLES FOR US TO LIVE BY, ISN'T THAT A HAPPY THOUGHT!

i think the dumbasses should give the deer back it would have died if they didnt take it in