A Michigan family will be allowed to keep their pet deer they rescued as a fawn after a lengthy battle with the state's government, a judge announced Tuesday.
Fox 47 reports the family, who has not been identified publicly, reached a deal with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to keep their pet "Lilly."
The family found "Lilly's" mother outside of their home five years ago. The deer had been hit by a car, and died after giving birth to two fawns.
One of the fawns died, but the family was able to nurse "Lilly" back to health. They kept it as a pet until they were notified by the DNR keeping the deer was illegal and they would have to give it up.
However, Fox 47 reports after "several weeks of negotiations," the family reached a deal with the department to keep the deer as a pet.
"Given Lilly’s unique circumstances, the deal represents the best possible outcome for her continued health and survival," Genesee County Circuit Judge Val Washington tells the station.
The family will be required to apply for a Exhibition Class Permit under the agreement.
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