Michigan State Representative Angela Rigas joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers on Thursday in urging Governor Gretchen Whitmer to intervene and prevent the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from euthanizing two non-releasable animals: a rescued fawn named Peanut and a coyote named Kota, both currently residing at the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), a no-kill sanctuary.
“These animals are survivors, not threats,” Rigas, a Republican, stated in a news release. “Peanut and Kota have been cared for by licensed professionals and were meant to serve as educational ambassadors. Their potential is now being overshadowed by bureaucratic technicalities and arbitrary deadlines.”
“Governor Whitmer must grant clemency to these animals,” she added.
The lawmakers’ letter to the Governor requested that she direct the DNR to allow for the animals’ permanent educational and sanctuary placements and to implement a clearer and more compassionate appeals process for similar cases.
The letter also encourages the state to halt its prosecution of DAWG and to issue necessary permits for the continued care of the animals.
Under Michigan law, wildlife that is unable to survive in their natural habitat must be either relocated to an approved educational facility or euthanized.
DAWG has maintained a rehabilitation license since 2014 and claims that it submitted all necessary documentation but was notified of a missed technical deadline.
The sanctuary disputes this allegation, asserting that both animals have been safely housed and regularly inspected for years.
The DNR confirmed that the decision for euthanasia was made because DAWG did not meet a deadline for applying for an educational permit for permanent captivity, as reported by The Midwesterner.
While the DNR refrained from further comments due to ongoing litigation, they acknowledged that the case is currently being reviewed by an administrative law judge.
In their correspondence, the lawmakers expressed concerns over how state agencies can wield excessive power, often to the detriment of well-meaning citizens and organizations.
Rigas highlighted issues like “a lack of transparency, arbitrary deadlines, and aggressive enforcement tactics,” calling for an urgent review of the DNR’s practices.
Accusing the DNR of “harassment” towards DAWG, Rigas noted that regulations are enforced inconsistently and unfairly.
“These regulations seem to be enforced on a case-by-case basis—there’s no consistency or fairness,” Rigas told Fox News Digital. “They are overfunded and overstaffed; this situation exemplifies how government overreach harms those simply trying to do right.”
DAWG insists that Peanut is not blind but does have minor impairments that make her unfit for release, while Kota’s domesticated demeanor also prohibits their return to the wild.
According to DAWG, Peanut was admitted for rehabilitation and after completing her treatment, was placed with a wildlife center to serve as an educational ambassador. Kota has been part of the organization since 2018, and Peanut was taken in after being deemed unfit for release by veterinarians.
“Peanut is a gentle creature who depends on our staff for daily care,” DAWG added in a statement. “We have presented all medical documentation and license updates required, and we believe the decision to euthanize her is both unnecessary and inhumane.”
On social media, DAWG shared a post titled “Peanut’s Journey,” describing how the fawn was found collapsed and unable to stand.
“She arrived weak, on her side, and unable to move,” the post recounted. “After warming her and providing IV fluids and dextrose to stabilize her, she was treated as a neurological patient.”
Over several weeks, DAWG documented Peanut’s gradual recovery—lifting her head, learning to stand, and eventually walking independently.
“Each day she grew stronger,” the sanctuary shared. “Though tiny, she stood her ground among the larger fawns.”
The post concluded with: “She fought to get this far, and we are now advocating for her to find a safe haven for her remaining days. She is incredibly valuable and deserves every chance. However, the Michigan DNR has ordered her to be killed without valid justification. Please be her voice and help save her life.”
Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon also chimed in, stating to Fox News Digital, “Whitmer and her enforcement team seem fixated on strict adherence to unreasonable government regulations. If only Peanut had illegally crossed the border; she’d be entitled to lifelong healthcare.”
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Rigas and her colleagues also referred to findings from the Michigan House Committee on the Weaponization of State Government, which examined concerns of overreach by state agencies.
In this context, they asserted that DAWG’s predicament is indicative of a broader pattern of what Rigas labeled as “government overreach” and a lack of “compassion and common sense.”
Rigas anticipates that the Michigan House Oversight Committee will convene a hearing later this month to scrutinize the DNR’s authority.
“This issue extends beyond a single deer; it raises fundamental questions about whether unelected bureaucrats should possess the power to determine life or death without accountability,” she remarked.
“If the Governor does not take action, the responsibility for Peanut and Kota’s fate will lie with her,” Rigas continued. “This transcends wildlife concerns; it’s about compassion, common sense, and the appropriate role of government.”
This incident mirrors last fall’s controversial seizure and subsequent euthanasia of P’Nut the squirrel in New York under Governor Kathy Hochul, which incited national outrage.
Whitmer’s office has yet to respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comments.
