We had a similar case where someone cared for an injured bird which could no longer fly.
But because it was a ‘migratory’ bird, they were not permitted to keep it and Fish and Game seized it.
Then, because it was permanently injured and could not be released back into the wild, it was killed.
I thought that sort of stupidity existed only in my state; but evidently bureaucratic nonsense has spread elsewhere, too.
I was only about 12 then, but I think this is about the time I started hating big government.
You ought to try mine. I went down my driveway Saturday evening and saw a dead deer laying right off my driveway near a stream in an opening. A weird place for one to just drop over. I called the state wildlife agency and told them what I had. They took my name and number and said someone will contact you. I waited all day Sunday.
Monday I called the Regional Office and was told since it was on my property I was responsible for disposing of it. I said well if I am responsible for all wildlife on my property then if I need a steak you won't mind me taking out a deer when I need it then. They said you can't do that. {I knew it but was making a point concerning responsibility}. I said I am not burying that deer as I do not know cause of death among other things. In Tennessee the game officers have authority to even come on private property uninvited to check on wildlife and even do searches of vehicles etc.
They took my number again and by late afternoon no phone call. I called the governors office and explained it. They connected me to the head honcho's office over wildlife resources in Nashville. I explained it again and in 15 minutes got a call from the game officer. I explained the situation and she said she wanted to see it which is what was supposed to be done to start with. That was late Monday. Tuesday Night she shows up I think and examines it. I was told by her that they would remove the deer.
Today {Wednesday} I get a call that she thinks the Biologist needs to see it first due to an outbreak of Blue Tongue as it wasn't not in my area yet but close to a near by town. He was off today. The deer is getting a tad bit ripe. Maybe tomorrow. Who knows.
Had I moved the deer or disposed of it and it been chipped I would be setting myself up for some legal problems and no real way to prove I acted with good intentions. Isn't government wonderful :>} They act like they never dealt with a dead deer before. I can't bury it. The ground here is so dry from drought it would take a tractor or backhole. Not to mention I have to watch my physical exertion outdoors.
This is so true. We had an injured bird and were told to drive it 2 hours with a bird rehabilitator. When I called and talked to the OFFICIAL REHABIILITATOR he eventually admited he would kill the bird.
The kids and I worked with the bird, and eventually it was in good enough shape to release.
Being a decent human being and not being politically correct can put you on the wrong side of the law. What I have learned?
Never to call the state about anything.
See my tag line.
Their theory is that if they don’t seize the critter, and whack it, then everyone will run outside and maim these critters just so they can take one home, and have it for a pet.
If you hit a deer with your car you can not have it, either. You have to leave it to rot. Otherwise, the theory goes, everyone would be driving around running over bambi right and left for free eats.