In a recent controversy stirring emotions in Michigan, several lawmakers have raised concerns over what they describe as an ‘unnecessary and cruel’ decision by the state government to euthanize a rescued baby deer. The decision has sparked a debate over the handling of wildlife that cannot be returned to their natural habitat.

This past Thursday, legislators called upon Governor Gretchen Whitmer to intervene and prevent the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from carrying out the euthanization of two animals: Peanut, the fawn, and Kota, a coyote. Both animals are currently deemed unsuitable for release into the wild, according to state regulations.

Under Michigan law, wildlife that cannot survive independently must be either relocated to an educational facility that meets state approval or face euthanasia. This law has become the focal point of the current dispute.

Peanut’s fate was particularly urgent, as she was set to be euthanized in the coming week. The DNR justified its decision by stating that the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), a non-profit sanctuary that prioritizes a no-kill policy and presently cares for Peanut, failed to meet a crucial paperwork deadline, thus disqualifying them from further caring for the deer.

In response, DAWG expressed their compliance with all necessary requirements and criticized the authorities for enforcing what they termed an ‘arbitrary deadline’ to mandate Peanut’s euthanasia. They emphasized that Peanut is both healthy and secure under their care, challenging the necessity of such a drastic measure.

But DAWG argued they had met all requirements and accused officials of demanding Peanut’s death over an ‘arbitrary deadline,’ despite her being healthy and safe.

Thankfully, Peanut was spared on Friday after public outrage and bipartisan pressure pushed state officials to reverse course and grant her a last-minute reprieve. 

‘Peanut is a gentle animal who relies on staff for daily care,’ DAWG said in a statement. ‘We believe the decision to euthanize her is both unnecessary and cruel.’

Michigan lawmakers called on Governor Gretchen Whitmer to immediately prevent the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from euthanizing Peanut, a rescued baby fawn (pictured)

DNR claimed that the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), a non-profit no-kill sanctuary that cared for Peanut (pictured), missed a paperwork deadline and can no longer keep the animal in human care

Though Peanut has been granted a reprieve the ongoing fallout from the bitter dispute threatens to be politically damaging to the state’s leaders.

Republican Rep Angela Rigas said: ‘This isn’t just about one deer. It’s about whether unelected bureaucrats get to decide life and death without accountability.’

Writing before the decision to let Peanut live the lawmaker added: ‘This is not just about wildlife. It’s about compassion, common sense and the proper role of government.’ 

Peanut arrived at the rehab facility in critical condition, with DAWG revealing in a Facebook post that she was lying on her side, too weak to move. 

The medical team warmed her, raised her glucose levels with IV fluids and dextrose, and began treating her as a neurologic patient. 

After months in intensive care, Peanut began with lifting her head and learning to stand. Soon, she walked on her own for the first time.

But her neurological issues, impaired vision, domesticated behavior and dependence on humans made it unsafe for her to ever return to the wild.

Former Republican Michigan gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon said: ‘Whitmer (pictured) and her band of enforcers are obsessed with malicious obedience to their unreasonable government regulations’

In a fiery letter to Whitmer lawmakers demanded a reprieve for both animals and urged her to order the DNR to secure permanent homes for rescued wildlife

Peanut (pictured) arrived at DAWG in critical condition, with the facility revealing that the fawn was lying on her side, extremely weak and unable to move

After completing treatment, Peanut was moved to a wildlife center as an educational ambassador where she could thrive among other non-releasable fawns. 

The DNR then claimed that DAWG had missed an unknown deadline to apply for an educational permit allowing Peanut to remain in permanent care. 

The sanctuary pushed back, arguing that the animals have been safely housed and routinely inspected since obtaining their rehabilitation license in 2014. 

State lawmakers accused the government of overstepping and prioritizing a ‘technical deadline’ over an animal’s life, especially since the animals had been safely housed and inspected for the past decade. 

‘These animals are not threats, they are survivors,’ Rigas said in a news release.  ‘Governor Whitmer must commute the death sentences of these animals.’

Lawmakers claim the case exposes how state agencies can wield excessive power, often at the expense of citizens acting in good faith. 

An immediate review of DNR procedures over ‘a lack of transparency, arbitrary deadlines and aggressive enforcement tactics’ was called for.

Rigas said the no-kill facility was being ‘harassed’ by the agency, which she claimed is notorious for enforcing inconsistent rules on its own terms.  

Republican Rep Angela Rigas (pictured) said that the no-kill facility was being ‘harassed’ by the DNR, which she claimed is notorious for enforcing inconsistent rules on its own terms

On Friday morning, DAWG shared a long-awaited update on Facebook: Peanut will live

‘No consistency, no fairness,’ Rigas told Fox News Digital. ‘They’re overfunded, overstaffed and this is a perfect example of how government overreach hurts good people.’

In a statement to Fox, former Republican Michigan gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon said: ‘Whitmer and her band of enforcers are obsessed with malicious obedience to their unreasonable government regulations.’

‘Too bad Peanut didn’t illegally cross the border,’ he added. ‘She’d have free healthcare for life.’

Lawmakers also urged Whitmer to establish a fairer and more humane rescue-appeal process, stop prosecuting DAWG and issue the necessary permits for ongoing care. 

On Friday morning, DAWG announced that baby Peanut will be at the Howell Nature Center, where visitors can see her as early as next week.

‘Peanut is scratching her head this morning on why her life was almost taken,’ the sanctuary wrote. ‘She is sniffing the fresh fall air and taking a deep breath now.’

But DAWG’s work isn’t over, as they are now urging the community to speak up for Kota, who Whitmer has yet to respond to despite bipartisan requests for her rescue. 

‘They now have filed to revoke our permit AGAIN stating we have Kota illegally,’ they wrote in a desperate plea.

Lawmakers said Peanut’s situation is part of a bigger pattern of ‘government overreach’ and blatant disregard for ‘compassion and common sense’ (pictured: signatures of lawmakers on letter)

DAWG is now urging the community to speak up for Kota (pictured), who Whitmer has yet to respond to despite bipartisan requests for her rescue

‘They have spent an estimated 1 million dollars of Michigan tax payer dollars on these unjust court cases. If they win they will KILL ALL THE WILDLIFE IN OUR CARE!’ they added.

‘Please be their voice! Stop the DNR harassment! Animals in our community need us!’