Deer Fawn Taken From Wild And Kept In Dog Crate As Pet Rescued By California Wildlife Officer

A deer fawn taken from the wild and kept as a pet in a dog cage in California has been rescued, and officials hope it can be returned to the wild after rehabilitation.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) said Wildlife Officer Cameron Blechert recently received a report that a group of people in Sonoma County were seen taking a deer fawn from the wild and putting it in a cage. Blechert responded to the residence where the fawn was reportedly being kept, and saw the animal in a dog crate outside.

The suspects, whose identities were not released, allegedly admitted finding the fawn in the wild and keeping it for more than three weeks. One of the suspects was issued a citation for unlawfully capturing and confining wildlife.

A photo shared by CDFW shows Blechert alongside the caged fawn, which was transported to a permitted rehabilitation facility. Officials say the hope is that the fawn can be returned to the wild “when it is bigger and better able to care for itself.”

“It is both illegal and unethical to keep deer in your personal possession and violations are a misdemeanor crime subject to penalties of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail,” the agency said. CDFW said they receive calls every spring and summer to assist with fawns removed from the wild.

“CDFW urges the public to leave baby deer where they belong — in the wild,” the agency said. Residents and visitors can report injured, sick, or suspected orphan fawns to their local CDFW office.