Is it possible to report someone with a Wildlife Rehabilitation license?

[EggSighted4Life]

I realize it might seem like I'm just trying to get revenge on an ex, but honestly we didn't leave on bad terms. I just keep thinking about how the animals shes already "rehabilitated" are doing and how many more animals shes kept getting. It just knocked me over the edge when I heard and got pictures of their home, which has all of the animals I listed above running around. The fox lays underneath their sofa, the deer resides in their bathroom, etc etc. I just can't sit by pretending this is right

Please understand.. I questioned motivation.. just as it's in my nature and others may do... not knowing anything about you personally or the situation. But I try not to jump to conclusions and in NO way intended to make any accusation against you!

Your non defensive, gentile reply.. speaks volumes about your character AND intent to ME!

When the smell is bad.. it isn't bad only for the animals but for the people as well.. it's actually toxic to breath not just nauseating. Code enforcement may even condemn the house and deem it not livable until conditions are corrected. Though this may cause some hardship to their family.. it could also be a catalyst point toward recovery on a situation that may have accidentally gotten out of control and is now running their lives with no way out as they don't know how to stop it. This lady is obviously very ignorant in the care and behavior of wildlife and needs a true education on the subject! Also she is acting very selfishly to meet HER sick needs not that of the animals. Mentally ill people can be plenty happy families... I'm NOT making excuses OR excusing her behavior in any way.. I am saying SHE needs help and there IS more to this than meets the eye, deep inside her. I DO believe you want to help the animals and not just hurt the family! Everything happens for a reason.. Since you didn't leave on bad terms, I'm sure you would like to see the best for them as well.. and hoarding animals of any kind wild or domestic in unfit conditions isn't good for anyone involved.

I do hope you will keep us updated and that the agencies responsible will hear your concerns and investigate them fully plus follow through as needed!

Also you are right, wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild are often cared for by zoos who employ the help of animal behaviorist, a VERY specific diet with lots of species appropriate enrichment that keeps them both physically and mentally fit in captivity. Any orphaned animal should be taught how to forage it's own feeds and they have facilities to help accomplish this. We taught the owls to hunt mice by using a flight cage and putting the mice inside essentially a stock tank.. they need to develop their wing muscles also. Raccoon are crafty, that one might of made it.. the owl ehhh less likely. 100% YES what she's doing is inappropriate!

I just saw your most recent update.. please ask him for a personal follow up to let you know the outcome, in case he happens to drop the ball. I'm sorry for being so suspicious.. But people are human and make mistakes, lose paperwork, get other agenda's, or retire (change jobs) and kick the buck down the road ALL the time.. I trust almost no one and KNOW that almost all the time if you want something done right ya gotta do it yourself... So maybe ask him for a time frame that you can check back or what options you might have in this regard.

So many problems could be helped if we treated mental illness with less stigma.

That will help a lot. But I think more awareness and the ability to recognize it... uh gee treatment I can't even imagine the scope of complication involved.. but just like breeding chickens, you can gain an eye for what you're looking for and it becomes unfortunately all to easy to spot. If I knew then what I know now.. would I have passed my super flawed genetics into unsuspecting offspring?! I certainly don't have the answers.. but thank you for acknowledging and understanding the need to start having a discussion about what's truly plaguing at least a portion of America today and effecting so many more than that even.

Please note.. self confessed hoarder (of things), recovery in progress... At 47 years old, I'm still over coming all the things I was taught were important. It's HARD to throw things away when you were raised with nothing, plus we want to be environmentally friendly and up-cycle stuff right! The hardest part is NONE of the stuff means anything to me NOW as I realize it's just something that takes up space to dust or pack and move.. to unpack and repeat yet again. Some of the stuff I keep so it won't hurt the person who gave it to me even though my interest has changed or I'm never gonna use it. Add in a husband with his equal share of issues who likes to shop DEALS, can't find anything in our clutter, and buys new stuff that then can't be found by the time we need to use it next! And how many times have I opened something years later that didn't work but was past the return date. I keep my share of animals and then some at times.. but work very hard to stay within MY limits to enhance my life and theirs. The temptation is ALWAYS there to get more animals, open a rescue, blah blah.. it's a fine line, I'm fortunate to be walking this side of.. And YES 100% after I dislocated my elbow and had to ask my family for help.. it was very much a wake up call as to who will do this if something happens to me..

she has three teenage kids and a husband that condone this behaviour. They think having more cuddly pets it "cool"

Ah.. my family said their glad I'm not doing drugs. I would likely be enchanted by the experience just like the kids, before I knew any better. In fact come to think of it we had a raccoon when I was a kid. And even right now as long as he isn't feeling neglected.. hubby want's wife happy.. if it upsets wife it upsets hubby and he WILL work to make wife happy... My point being that I can sense the challenge the animals face.. My husband and I have both already come to reason WHY we have certain behaviors and we both WANT to be better and change... even wanting the change... in his 50's these weren't developed over night and it takes active practice to rise above it... just even with grocery shopping!

I know you're not trying to change the family.. but maybe they are ready even if they don't yet realize it. And if not.. then it doesn't matter, we can't change the world.. we do what we can and what we feel compelled to.. helping the helpless.. that's honorable and I wish you the best!

Edited spelling

 

[Marie2020]

@FeatherLace . Selfishness is one of the worst traits in human beings, why should animal's be held like this.

 

[FeatherLace]

@FeatherLace . Selfishness is one of the worst traits in human beings, why should animal's be held like this.

I agree. Poor things. Luckily the investigation should start soon...I hope. If only I could be right in the action to make sure the animals are able to be rehabilitated properly!

You know, now that I think about it, I wonder if shes violating her license just by having them at her home? I've done my research and learned that you can get a rehab license by "default" if you work for an organization such as a state wildlife park or rescue. This is her case. However, I wonder if that form of a license only applies to keeping the animals at the organization for which she works and she's not actually allowed to bring her to her home? If that's the case it would make things much easier on law enforcement to sieze the animals and give them to a rehab rescue that will allow them to live in the wild once more

 

[Marie2020]

I agree. Poor things. Luckily the investigation should start soon...I hope. If only I could be right in the action to make sure the animals are able to be rehabilitated properly!

You know, now that I think about it, I wonder if shes violating her license just by having them at her home? I've done my research and learned that you can get a rehab license by "default" if you work for an organization such as a state wildlife park or rescue. This is her case. However, I wonder if that form of a license only applies to keeping the animals at the organization for which she works and she's not actually allowed to bring her to her home? If that's the case it would make things much easier on law enforcement to sieze the animals and give them to a rehab rescue that will allow them to live in the wild once more

Personally had she taken in the odd injured animal to heal and then release I would turn a blind eye, because I'd see that has being helpful. But in this case to hell with it, do what's best for the animal's. Will be following this thread.

 

[FeatherLace]

Personally had she taken in the odd injured animal to heal and then release I would turn a blind eye, because I'd see that has being helpful. But in this case to hell with it, do what's best for the animal's. Will be following this thread.

I agree with that! Even if its not legal sometimes, if the owner can 100% take better care in every way of an animal than what a rescue or rehab place could do, then that's okay. I always have the animals best interest at heart. Sadly this just isn't the case and the animals aren't getting what they need.

Don't worry, I will definitley post updates! I'm as eager to know those animals get the right care as you guys are

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I've done my research and learned that you can get a rehab license by "default"

Can doesn't mean did. Did you ever witness the document with your own eyes?

Do you have any screen shots of the facebook or instagram posts that caused you alarm.. before they get wind of the investigation and try to cover up what they've done? The pending investigation should net its' own results, but have you got any HARD evidence that might aid the investigator.. say showing a timeline, intent, or maybe establishing a pattern? These questions and my intent are aimed at helping YOU and the animals, so please disregard any incline to the contrary!

The facility I volunteered at specifically had a clause citing NO pictures or videos of animals *currently* being rehabilitated.. could be POSTED IIRC.. Since I personally took some photos and video.. I don't believe it was a violation to do so or recall trying to hide my doing it. Each facility will likely have their own signed contract.

if the owner

Far as I can tell, according to the information presented.. she's not an owner, she's a thief! A wildlife volunteer turned infant napper with claim to loophole. A law breaker... And... I will go ahead and stop while I'm still saying polite things. Since I understand now what is meant when they say the "road to hell is paved with good intentions." Having the desire to care for and love animals shows she's not all bad. How cool would it be if she actually gets help and the family becomes even happier with more energy to volunteer some and TRULY help make a difference! My attempt to speak Life!

 

[Chicken Chiquita]

Thanks for doing the right thing, @FeatherLace, your intentions are good, i see how your ex would want to keep them, and though they might live longer, thats not how they are supposed to live, and THAT MANY is ridiculous. Thanks for stopping this, bc its the right thing to do, and before possible accidental animal abuse...though...tbh...those sound like some pretty cute animals... I hope people will see your example, and when their time comes, they will do the right thing too, even if its hard.

 

[FeatherLace]

UPDATE! They ARE conducting an investigation. The Game Warden First Class called me just now asking for any pictures, details, and any other evidence I could provide because he has four different people working on the case now and more evidence is best before they went to the home. I provided videos and pictures of her holding and cuddling raccoons, squirells, and birds and he said this helps a lot.

I'm very glad they followed up with me and started an investigation! I mentioned the flea and stench problem to him and he said if nothing else they could rehome the animals just on the basis of that, but hes aiming to just make sure all of the animals get the best care regardless.

I will be sure to update with any more information! Thanks for following this story guys!

 

[getaclue]

Thank you for the update.

 

[Angelbirdy]

First, yes I agree she's in the wrong. Mental illness is a horrid beast! I too wanted to be like Grizzly Adams when I was young.

Next.. if your motivation is pure and to protect the animals, why not look into reporting her earlier? Seems like at this point it could be about getting revenge on you EX. Why do people only do what causes the least amount of consequences for themselves?

I would start by launching a complaint with the rescue giving her the permit.. to investigate. NO wildlife rehabber in their right mind would EVER be okay with causing perfectly viable wild animals to become habituated to humans. As someone who loves the animals and nature.. I had to remind myself of this when helping with orphaned bobcat cubs at the wildlife rehab where I volunteered one season. I caught myself baby talking to them like pets AT first. It was quite amazing to have one climb my pant leg. But even more exhilarating to see them grow into their natural behavior aggressively wrestling each other, competing for food, learning how to hunt, and ultimately yes being released if there's NO injury or ingrained unnatural behaviors like those described above!

The crowding you describe... might get some attention with a simple call of concern to your county animal control officer? Try as MANY contacts as you can until you get results! Eyewitness news on your side?? Maybe an investigative news report to put public pressure on? Can they possibly be managing all the waste properly or is it a health hazard? Speaking of health hazards.. sounds like maybe a fire hazard.. call the fire department.. they may have blocked exits or other code violations.. You county CODE enforcement office as well.. Even with permit, most locations still have maximum occupancy per property size.

The feds... many states have WAY to lax laws about topics like this.. the department of Fish and Wildlife (law enforcement) might be of some help..

https://www.fws.gov/le/

If all else fails.. call PETA and see what kind of havoc those mislead folks can turn up!

Taking her license will not likely stop her behavior. But hopefully through this maybe she will get some help to learn other coping tools for feeling loved and accepted. Instead of always scoffing and pointing fingers like the self righteous Stew Pidasso's we are, if folks look to the root cause and become more compassionate, understanding, and maybe helpful.. our prisons might not be full of our mentally ill for petty crimes. You just don't know what a person is facing.. but this Ex's mom is self medicating through her actions!

Yes, animal lives DO matter.. but HUMAN lives matter too. We always look at humans as doing such vile acts.. I've seen nature and there's nothing pretty about the mom's eating their babies if under threat of hunger or thirst themselves, or males killing offspring in order to mate the female sooner.. Most of us don't realize just how brutal nature truly is or that people ARE doing what comes natural to them.. yes other species kill each other over territory, mates, etc...

Again, she is in the wrong and it SHOULD be stopped! I just plead with my fellow BYC'ers... give the human species a little consideration and compassion as well... We ALL have reasons why we do what we do even if we don't realize them.

I do hope the animals get some relief from their well meaning but sadly mentally ill rehab/captor! It may take some persistence on your part, so hang in there..

Very wise, and very compassionate. Thank you.