A visually impaired fawn named Peanut — who was nearly killed due to an alleged error in interpreting state law and a missed filing deadline — will now live safely at a wildlife education facility in Howell, Michigan, following strong public backlash, according to the Detroit Free Press.
When the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) rescued Peanut, she was in rough shape — malnourished, fragile, and incapable of standing or even lifting her head. But with time and treatment, she steadily grew stronger until she could nurse and move without assistance. Still, Peanut’s vision issues made her unfit for release into her natural habitat, so DAWG found her a home at the Howell Nature Center to serve as an “education ambassador.”
However, Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) didn’t grant an education permit at first, pointing to a delay in submitting paperwork and instructing that the fawn be killed. But according to DAWG Director Kelley LaBonty, the deadline referenced by the DNR pertains to rehabilitation extension requests rather than educational placements.
That’s when DAWG took to Facebook to share Peanut’s story and urged the public to contact Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the DNR to overturn the decision to kill her. In addition, State Representative Angela Rigas sent a letter to the governor — signed by 16 House members — asking her to do the same.
Amid growing public pressure, the DNR ultimately reversed its order and granted the permit, allowing Peanut to remain at the Howell Nature Center alongside other rehabilitated deer.
Lady Freethinker is grateful to everyone who spoke up for Peanut, helping to spare her life and give her a safe place to call home. We hope her story inspires others to take action for animals in need.
