HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Officials say a West Virginia man had been keeping two deer in captivity at his home for at least a year.
State Division of Natural Resources officer Joshua Addesa says authorities discovered the two white-tailed bucks when they visited the Cabell County man’s home July 4 after receiving a public tip.
Addesa says the deer had a supply of hay available to them inside the home. But Ronnie Chapman denied the deer lived at his home, saying they could come and go as they pleased.
“If you leave the door open, my wife – they’ll follow her through,” he told WSAZ. “[They] just come in and bum a piece of candy, and they’re back out the door.”
Chapman said he found an injured deer on his property a couple years ago and helped nurse it back to health.
“He’s not hurting anybody where he’s at. Why are they going to bother him?” said Chapman. “That’s the way I look at it. Nature’s going to take its course.”
The NBC affiliate reports that Chapman paid a $300 fine Tuesday in Cabell County Magistrate Court.
Addesa says officers set the deer free but because the animals were domesticated, they may be considered for relocation.
“There was enough compelling evidence that showed they were living full-time in the home,” said Addesa. “People trying to do the right thing can mess up nature’s system.”
In West Virginia, illegal possession of wildlife is a misdemeanor.
“I don’t see where I’ve hurt anything or done anything wrong, but I sure paid for it,” said Chapman.
– with files from Jenny Sung
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