Woman Wants To Keep Rescued Deer On Farm

OHIO -- Carol Deyo saved the lives of Trooper and Patch two years ago and says they are the reason she is alive today.

But, she says she's heartbroken because the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife says without a permit, they must be destroyed.

 

The retired longtime veterinary technician has been caring for animals on her peaceful Knox County farm for years.

In addition to her horses and her 14-year-old German Shepard, AJ, there are the two deer and several raccoons.

She says Trooper was injured by farm equipment two years ago and that Patch was hit by a car.

“He was having seizures and couldn't see and in really bad shape," said Deyo.

Both came into her life after a devastating cancer diagnosis.

She says caring for them and watching their remarkable recovery has aided in her own fight for life.

She says she's heartbroken because the ODNR'S Division of Wildlife says they all must be destroyed by law.

"There's no reason, they can't get out they're not going anywhere they have the proper enclosure, the raccoons have the proper enclosure, they're all spayed and neutered, they're vaccinated," she says.

The Division of Wildlife says that is not enough.

"The ODNR Division of Wildlife is required to investigate all incidents of illegally obtained wild animals and provides its findings to local prosecutors for review,” according to ODNR.

Deyo says she's tried desperately to keep the animals alive and says although they're considered wild, they're not threatening anyone and they are helping her heal.

She says she is filing for a continuance because of her medical condition.

The Division of Wildlife says it will wait on instructions from the court as to how to proceed with the case.

(WBNS - July 29, 2013)