Legal battle over deer cost $86,000


Sunday, July 27, 2008 | 2 comment(s)

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OREGON CITY (AP) — The legal battle over a 7-year-old deer named Snowball has cost the state of Oregon more than $86,000 so far.

The Molalla couple who found the doe with rare white fur and paid veterinary costs to fix her deformed legs are suing the state for defamation, saying their reputation was damaged by being called lawbreakers.

Attorneys for the state and for Jim Filipetti and Francesca Mantei agree that even if they were cited for adopting a wild animal without a permit, they would not be prosecuted.

A judge has ordered Snowball returned to the couple, but the state appealed. The deer is being kept at a Wildlife Safari petting zoo near Roseburg.

But legal bills will keep piling up during settlement talks and a custody appeal.
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Peachy wrote on Jul 28, 2008 2:09 PM:

Good luck to Jim and Francesca! There is no logical, sensible or humane reason for them to had the deer taken away from their care, but unfortunately you can't expect logic, common sense or compassion from government authorities.

Vonnie wrote on Jul 26, 2008 10:42 AM:

In my opinion there is no reason at all why this well meaning couple should have had Snowball taken from them in the first place! She was very well taken care of at their expense, not the taxpayers. They paid a vet to fix her deformed legs, not the taxpayers! Then low and behold the ODF&W steps in and takes away this beloved animal away from these folks and now it is on, yes, the taxpayers! If the judge ordered Snowball back why did the state appeal? Snowball is now at Wildlife Safari where if you or the family that raised her want to see her you have to pay a fortune to do so! MONEY MONEY MONEY!!


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