Animal advocates are hailing the signing of a bill aimed at protecting Louisiana white-tailed deer. Humane Society of Louisiana Director Jeff Dorson says House Bill 1248 was spawned by a pair of high-profile incidents, in which LDWF agents seized deer from those caring for them and killed them.
“The nation was horrified. That’s not what they want to see in the paper or on tv; little deer being killed that were taken in by good Samaritans,” Dorson said.
So Greenwell Springs Representative Lauren Ventrella, who’s an animal advocate, drafted the bill that sailed through the legislature without a single dissenting vote. Dorson says it gives licensed rehabbers the green light to care for white-tailed deer who need help.
“It now allows wildlife rehabbers to take in deer that need it; if they’re orphaned, displaced, ill or injured, as long as they don’t show signs of chronic wasting disease, neurological disorders,” Dorson noted.
Dorson says there are certain procedures licensed rehabbers will need to adhere to when taking in one of these deer.
“They can have special pens and can keep them up to six months to rehabilitate them and release them, coordinated with Wildlife and Fisheries,” Dorson explained.
The new law takes effect August 1st.