In our posts of 15 and 26 December 2015 we reported that Rudolph, a sick baby deer nursed back to health by teenager Andrew Foots, had been seized by Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources who then obtained a court order to kill Rudolph on the basis that he was a danger to public safety. Mr Foots then appealed the decision in the County Court.
Just after Christmas the Panel arranged for senior and junior counsel to represent Andrew Foots in his legal fight against DEJTDR to save Rudolph’s life. As a result, proceedings were filed in the Supreme Court seeking an order setting aside the original decision of the Magistrate to destroy Rudolph and seeking an order that Rudolph be released into the care of Jirrahlinga Sanctuary. At a directions hearing in the Supreme Court this morning, Associate Justice Daly made the orders sought. Rudolph is now safe. DEJDTR have given a written undertaking to make Rudolph available for collection within 3 days.
The Panel extends its grateful thanks to counsel Dyson Hore-Lacey SC and Jessie Taylor and to Daniel Beecher of Phoenix Legal Solutions for their tireless work to save Rudolph’s life.