Michigan House panel hears rescuer allege DNR overreach after euthanasia order and criminal counts

Lansing — The Michigan House Oversight Subcommittee on Weaponization of State Government heard testimony Wednesday from Matt Lisonbee, founder of Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary, who accused the Michigan Department of Natural Resources of heavy-handed enforcement that briefly culminated in an order to euthanize birds at his sanctuary and misdemeanor charges against him and his wife.

"3 DNR agents, 3 vehicles came to the property for 1 duckling," Lisonbee told the committee as he described a December 2023 incident in which agents removed a mallard and later pursued six misdemeanor counts against each spouse. He said the charges were dropped after public pressure and follow-up review; his legal costs to date were modest, he said, at about $300 with pro bono assistance.

Chair Regas opened the hearing by calling the episode "a troubling chapter" and framing it as part of a pattern of alleged agency overreach. The chair said the committee invited Lisonbee to explain what happened and to propose solutions to reduce conflicting enforcement and improve DNR oversight.

Lisonbee described his organization, started…