New Jersey Woman Found Guilty of Illegally Owning Deer She Says She Raised from an Orphaned Fawn

A New Jersey resident, Cammy Lowe, has been convicted for unlawfully keeping a wild deer she raised from a young fawn on her farm. Lowe, who operates TLC Country Stables in Lawrenceville, found the newborn male deer, later named Rudy, abandoned beside his deceased mother in the woods back in 2019. Despite being advised by various animal rescue organisations, including the Mercer County Wildlife Centre, to leave the fawn alone and “let nature take its course,” she decided to rescue him, raising him on her 30-acre property.

The case escalated in July 2024 when a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Police officer, Lt. Andrew Riviello, visited Lowe’s farm following an anonymous tip-off regarding her possession of the deer. During this visit, Riviello located and documented Rudy before issuing Lowe a “constructive seizure notice,” which outlined that the deer needed to be confiscated.

Footage from the officer’s body camera captured an emotional exchange between Lowe and Riviello, with Lowe imploring about her attachment to the animal. She was heard saying, “I’m going to start crying; he is my baby, and I’ll take him to Canada if I have to.” Following this incident, she made an application to the Wildlife Permits Unit for permission to keep Rudy legally, but her plea was rejected shortly thereafter, primarily due to concerns about chronic wasting disease among deer populations.

Recently, Lowe faced the court where she was found guilty of several charges, including possession of a deer without a permit and obstructing a conservation officer. Judge Louis Sancinito noted that key evidence in his ruling included Lowe’s own admissions about having Rudy castrated and her unwillingness to complete a voluntary release form for the animal. Additional weight was given to her failure to disclose Rudy’s whereabouts during the trial, as she claimed the deer had escaped from his enclosure.

In response to the conviction, Lowe’s attorney, John Hartmann, expressed dissatisfaction, asserting that Lowe provided Rudy with a nurturing and safe environment. He described the state’s actions as relentless, labelling the pursuit against Lowe akin to the fictional Inspector Javert, and called the process “a dark mark upon our Garden State.” Hartmann’s defence argued that Riviello’s initial entry onto the property was unlawful and that the officer had compromised Lowe’s rights in the process.

Throughout the trial, Lowe chose not to testify, invoking her Fifth Amendment rights. The judge acknowledged that her silence should not be construed negatively. In his commentary, he affirmed that courts are based on facts rather than personal beliefs, suggesting that while Lowe perceived her actions as compassionate, Riviello was merely fulfilling his duty to uphold the law.

Earlier reports had indicated that the state had previously denied Lowe a permit to maintain custody of Rudy over fears regarding chronic wasting disease, a neurological disorder affecting deer, although it poses no threat to human health. At one point, state officials even proposed a plea deal offering a $100 fine in exchange for Rudy’s release, which Lowe declined, expressing her determination to protect the animal.

With sentencing due to take place next month, Lowe has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her mounting legal expenses. On the fundraising page, she highlighted the precarious situation she finds herself in, stating, “Did you know you could go to jail for saving an animal’s life?”

As the ruling and ensuing discussions over wildlife control and animal rescue spark a wider conversation, Lowe’s case continues to divide public opinion. Supporters advocate for Lowe’s actions as those of a compassionate individual saving an innocent creature, while others assert the importance of adhering to regulations concerning wildlife conservation. The upcoming sentencing will reveal the next chapter in this contentious saga, with implications for the future of animal rescue efforts and legal frameworks in the state.