Kentucky Fish and Wildlife euthanizes 20+ deer at Meade Co. wildlife center

The agency confirmed late Tuesday that the animals were euthanized at the Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.

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Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife staff euthanized more than 20 animals they say were being illegally held at a Meade County wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary on Tuesday.

According to a statement provided by the agency, "the previous operator at Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary had illegally accepted the animals into the facility's care" after Meade County was added to the state's CWD Surveillance Zone, which happened in October 2024.

Current CWD Surveillance Zones, provided by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

Chronic Wasting Disease is described as a fatal neurological disease affecting deer and elk. There is no known cure or vaccine, and the disease can cause months or years of suffering for the infected animals.

While the agency regrets the need for euthanasia in this situation, regulations were put in place to limit the spread of CWD. -Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

According to posts on the sanctuary's social media page, 22 orphaned fawns were taken into the facility earlier this year.

"We love our fawns and our staff has been raising them since they were tiny," the agency shared on social media, "this recent issue with Chronic Wasting Disease in the state of Kentucky is serious, but to our knowledge these fawns have not been exposed nor will they ever leave our property."

Credit: Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary, showing the fawns drinking from bottles

Local animal activists had been working to stop the planned euthanasia, hoping to find another answer for the young deer. Ultimately, the owners of Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary agreed to allow Kentucky Fish and Wildlife onto the property.

Broadbent released this statement Monday night:

After discussions with Fish & Wildlife, we have decided that we must allow KY Fish and Wildlife officials to enter the sanctuary. Our staff has raised these fawns with loving care, and followed the regulations associated with the care and rehab with these animals. Thank you to everyone who has voiced their concern for these beautiful creatures. We are forever grateful.

Fish and Wildlife is also urging the public not to move fawns that appear to be left alone, saying, "In almost all cases, the mother is nearby and the baby animal has not been abandoned."

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