Michigan lawmakers probe DNR permit practices after rescue groups say fawns, coyotes faced euthanasia

Lansing — The Oversight Subcommittee on Weaponization of State Government heard testimony on alleged permit delays, retaliatory enforcement and euthanasia orders by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in cases involving wildlife rehabilitators, including a fawn known as “Peanut” and a nonreleasable coyote called Coda.

“Why does the DNR’s first instinct seem to be killing an animal instead of saving it?” Chair Regas asked at the start of the hearing, framing lawmakers’ scrutiny of agency policy and practice. The committee heard extended testimony from Dr. Kelly Labonte, founder of the Detroit Animal Welfare Group, and her attorney, Celeste Dunn, who said the DNR has pursued revocation proceedings against Labonte’s permits and advised outside facilities to euthanize animals rather than grant permit amendments or extensions.

The testimony described two current, high-profile cases. Peanut, a fawn taken in May after severe neurologic injury, was transferred in September to Howell Nature Center after the Detroit Animal Welfare Group said its application to retain Peanut under a scientific collector’s permit was not approved. Labonte said Howell’s request to amend that center’s permit to accept the fawn was initially denied and that DNR staffers told Howell to euthanize the animal; public outcry and intervention by lawmakers and the governor’s…