After a three year battle, Janet Schwartz of Ucluelet, British Columbia will be able to keep living with her 10-year old pet deer, Bimbo. Schwartz she has raised Bimbo since she was a fawn, feeding her goat's milk, allowing her to sleep in a bed with her and her dog, and dancing together to Elvis Presley records.
“This is especially good news since Bimbo is now one-month pregnant and has cravings for chocolate cookies, stated Schwartz.
According to BC Environment Minister Terry Lake, ministry experts are highly concerned about the habituation of the animal and understand there are risks associated with removing an animal that has become accustomed to a home setting. As a result, officials have decided that instead of removing Bimbo to a wildlife rehabilitation center as orginally ordered, they will allow her to stay with her “mom” under the guidance of the provincial veterinarian and trained conservation officer staff.
"As a veterinarian, myself, I am very aware of the bonding that takes place between people and their pets, and understand there are risks associated with removing an animal that has become " said Lake. "I am confident that by working with the provincial veterinarian and trained conservation officer staff, Ms. Schwartz will be able to follow a plan of care that will see her and Bimbo continue to live together as they always have."
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