Quebec Wildlife Ministry explains why it seized adopted deer

Quebec's Wildlife Ministry says it will make sure a white-tailed deer it seized from a family in the Laurentians will be well taken care of. 

Brigitte Thomas and her husband adopted the orphaned animal, which they named May, four years ago after its mother was killed. 

May is house-trained and sometimes sits on a big pillow watching TV with the couple. She also roams their 33-hectare forested property.

Wildlife Ministry agents seized the animal from Thomas' home Monday, acting on an anonymous tip.

The ministry didn't respond to requests for an interview with CBC Wednesday. However, it posted an update on May on its Facebook page late in the day.

• 'She has a big pillow like our dogs': Quebec family fights to keep its pet deer

'In perfect health'

"We would like to reassure you the deer in question is in perfect health and is currently in a shelter for animals. She won't be euthanized, and the ministry will ensure her well-being," the post said.

It goes on to say that when white-tailed deer are found injured or orphaned, they should be turned over to the ministry to prevent the spread of diseases and to protect other wildlife. 

The ministry also said it's possible to keep white-tailed deer in captivity in Quebec with required permits, but those permits appear to be strictly for breeding, game ranch or agricultural purposes.

It's not clear if Thomas and her husband could apply for such a permit to keep May.

Thomas and her husband have launched an online petition asking the government to return May to them as soon as possible.

As of Thursday morning, the petition had more than 17,000 signatures.