HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — 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.
WSAZ-TV (http://bit.ly/1S8Gn15 ) reports that Chapman paid a $300 fine Tuesday in Cabell County Magistrate Court.
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Addesa says officers set the deer free but because the animals were domesticated, they may be considered for relocation.
In West Virginia, illegal possession of wildlife is a misdemeanor.
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Information from: WSAZ-TV, http://www.wsaz.com