Demand Justice for Endangered Key Deer Who Were Hogtied and Trapped in a Car!

During a routine traffice stop, police were startled to find two Florida Key doe hogtied at their feet and awkwardly confined in the backseat. They also discovered a full-grown buck tied up in the trunk.

Key deer are federally protected endangered animals -- there are only 600 left in the wild.

The driver, 18-year-old Erik Damas Acosta, claims that he took the animals so that he could take pictures with them. However, all three animals had wounds and scratches as if they had been struggling in the confined space. Their blood was soaked into the car seat.

If the men’s intentions were not to hurt the animals, you’d think they would have let the animals go once they began struggling and showing clear signs of stress.

The doe and buck were released near where the car had been pulled over. They seem to be okay, but U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers will watch the buck to make sure he heals properly since he is still mildly injured.

Both men were charged with three felony counts of wounding a protected species, three misdemeanor counts of taking deer out of season, three counts of animal cruelty and three counts of illegal possession of Key deer. They face up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine each.

We must ensure that justice is served. Please sign this petition demanding that these men face the maximum penalties for their crimes against these endangered doe and buck!