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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSupport grows for couple facing jail for deer rescue....
This article truly falls under the "WTF" category....
Support grows for couple facing jail for deer rescue
QUOTE:
Trouble is, what the Councellers did is against the law. And more than two years after rescuing the deer, and more than six months after conservation officers began an investigation, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources wants them prosecuted.
The charge -- illegal possession of a white-tailed deer is a just a misdemeanor, but punished to the fullest it could cost the Councellers up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Incredible.
Downtown Hound
(12,618 posts)and a nice retirement package. Save a deer and go to jail. Gawd bless America.
randome
(34,845 posts)Anyone with a modicum of common sense can see that the word 'possession' can be interpreted differently. They should have let this go long ago.
Downtown Hound
(12,618 posts)Not a statement on law enforcement jurisdiction or anything.
freckleface
(57 posts)Disgustingly shameful!
ceile
(8,692 posts)Stand your ground Councellers!
liberalhistorian
(20,809 posts)I think you forgot the sarcasm tag thingie. I hope.
ceile
(8,692 posts)OldDem2012
(3,526 posts)lotsofsnowplease
(19 posts)Got anything better to do?
MynameisBlarney
(2,979 posts)What an incredible waste of time and tax payer money.
dbackjon
(6,578 posts)And harmful in general.
Deer are not pets.
They were right to rescue it, but should have called any number of animal rescue groups to to do it the right way.
OldDem2012
(3,526 posts)....with the intent to release the animal back into the wild? What could any of the animal rescue groups have done any differently than what the Councellors did?
Additionally, I'm sure Jeff Counceller, who is "a member of the SWAT team in Connersville, president of the local Fraternal Order of Police and someone who once brought in a murderer who killed three people", is pretty squared-away when it comes to the law.
And finally, the deer has already been released into the wild. What exactly is DNR proving by pushing this ill-advised prosecution? Just my opinion, but it seems like they could be using tax dollars to pursue much more current cases.
dbackjon
(6,578 posts)Only did so when Natural Resources came after them.
And many cops think the law doesn't really apply to them.
Prevention. So you are for selective efforcement of laws?
OldDem2012
(3,526 posts)...evidently, that's something neither you nor DNR seem to favor.
dbackjon
(6,578 posts)Common sense tells me that deer are not pets.
Common sense tells me that a wildlife rehabber should have been called.
So looks like I have common sense. The people and posters defending them - not so much.
OldDem2012
(3,526 posts)dbackjon
(6,578 posts)Mojorabbit
(16,020 posts)It would be the same if it was a bear. They should have contacted a wildlife rehabilitator who would have doctored it and raised it with other young deer with a minimum of human interaction so that it would not become habituated to humans. It can be a death sentence to a wild animal to release it if it has no fear of humans in a dozen ways. Since the damage is done, it would have been better for DNR to use this as a teaching tool on what not to do and what TO do if one finds an orphan. It was handled badly all the way around. If it was released I hope it does not approach a hunter.
Sad but true.
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)It belongs in the wild and in order to go back into the wild it needs minimal human interaction.
dbackjon
(6,578 posts)DollarBillHines
(1,922 posts)They follow us around like puppies and sleep in a shed. They love to be scratched and petted and eat out of our hands.
Also, the buck is very territorial and will keep wild deer out of the vineyard.
xxqqqzme
(14,887 posts)was going to euthanized the deer because it survived? This is messed up.
OldDem2012
(3,526 posts)X_Digger
(18,585 posts)Wildlife rehab isn't something you try on a whim.
Pakid
(478 posts)And it is a state run by nuts and that says it all
Vattel
(9,289 posts)strongermessage
(283 posts)This couple may go to jail because of the illegal possession of one white-tailed dear that they rescued. Yet, it is legal for game preserves not only breed and raise deer, but also to keep them enclosed behind high-wire fences until someone pays to shoot them.
Arcanetrance
(2,670 posts)Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)Well then all those vets across the country are guilty too. So was my family and I guilty when we saved and fed baby squirrels. What about those who band birds? This is a made up charge by someone who's nose was out of joint or a neighbor with pull who doesn't like animals in the neighborhood. etc.
It's as ridiculous as when that little kindergarten boy kissed his classmate and was expelled for sexual harassment. There are lots of examples of STUPID.
indepat
(20,899 posts)society wherein reason, common sense, and humanity are most often discarded.
Separation
(1,975 posts)I can't think of another reason for it to get to this level of ridiculousness.
Enrique
(27,461 posts)legalize it.