Kentucky, September 19, 2025

News Summary

Misti Drew, an animal rights advocate, is pushing for changes to Kentucky wildlife laws after the euthanization of 22 abandoned fawns at a sanctuary. The incident has highlighted the need for reform as current laws prohibit rehabilitating deer in certain areas due to Chronic Wasting Disease. Drew’s petition aims to gather support for her cause ahead of a state meeting. Meanwhile, the Department of Fish and Wildlife stresses the need for CWD regulations, as the state has not reported new cases in wild deer since May.

Kentucky Animal Rights Activist Pushes for Wildlife Law Reforms After Euthanization of Fawns

Misti Drew, an animal rights advocate and former county commissioner, is advocating for changes to Kentucky’s wildlife laws following a distressing incident at the Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary was compelled to surrender 22 abandoned fawns for euthanization due to existing state regulations.

Kentucky law currently prohibits holding and rehabilitating deer within Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Zones. This includes Meade, Breckinridge, and Hardin counties, where the euthanization took place. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal disease affecting the brain and nervous system of deer and elk, and the legal framework aims to control its spread.

Drew, who served on the Kentucky State Animal Control Board from 2017 to 2023, has launched a petition aimed at reevaluating these wildlife laws. Her goal is to gather 5,000 signatures to present at the upcoming Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting scheduled for September 19. This push comes in the wake of the recent death of the sanctuary’s founder, which resulted in complications regarding the transfer of licenses and permits that were still pending.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has expressed regret over the euthanization incident but reiterated that the regulations are in place to manage CWD due to the absence of a cure or vaccine. While the sanctuary clarified that not all animals were seized and many farm animals and wildlife remain unharmed, the focus remains on preventing CWD outbreaks.

Drew believes the existing laws were established out of fear, advocating instead for a more community-oriented approach to wildlife rehabilitation. Encouraging a response to wildlife issues that is informed by community needs and ecological realities is critical to her vision for reform.

Recent testing for CWD in Kentucky has not uncovered new cases in wild deer as of May for the 2024-25 season, which may bolster arguments for modifying wildlife regulations. In a separate incident, Kentucky game wardens executed search warrants as part of Operation River Raid, targeting illegal commercial fishing practices.

In addition to Drew’s campaign, Jerry Ferrell, the first Black member of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission, has raised concerns following his non-reappointment under a new law. Ferrell contends that this decision targets him due to his social media activity, as the law requires him to vacate his position based on perceived inappropriateness related to his Facebook posts. He is contemplating challenging this decision as he believes it reflects broader issues related to diversity.

Lastly, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has announced a live auction for surplus and confiscated hunting and fishing equipment set for May 5. The items will be sold as-is, with potential criminal background checks required for certain confiscated items. Proceeds from this auction will support the department’s conservation and recreation programs, contributing to the overall management and preservation of Kentucky’s wildlife resources.

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Spectrum News 1: Kentucky Animal Rights Activist Pushes for Wildlife Law Reforms
• WLKY: Operation River Raid Targets Illegal Fishing Practices
• Spectrum News 1: Kentucky Morning Briefing
• Kentucky Lantern: First Black Member of KY Fish and Wildlife Commission to be Removed
• WBKR: Kentucky Law on Feeding Wildlife
• Wikipedia: Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Google Search: Chronic Wasting Disease
• Google Scholar: Chronic Wasting Disease
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Chronic Wasting Disease
• Google News: Kentucky Wildlife Laws

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