The kgw.com article and KGW television reports about Snowball the deer and her offspring, Bucky, has aroused a public outcry, with most people pleading for some sort of exemption to save the deer from a likely death.

KGW photo

Snowball, the pet deer.

From readers' comments, it appears the story sparked such interest not only because of the emotional chord it strikes in the hearts of animal lovers, but also because it raises questions about state agencies' use of taxpayer money and what can be considered taxpayers' "property."

One kgw.com reader wrote:

"...We, the Oregonians of this state, own the deer Snowball, and it is our vote, that she be returned to her owners."

Wrote another: "As a taxpayer and voter, I would like to remind the Oregon Wildlife Agency who is currently decideing on whether to euthanize the pet deer... that they work for an represent an agency that was established by government. A government that was incidently created by the people, for the people. And when they make a decision that enrages the vast majority of the public, that it would be prudent to rethink their plan and come up with a different solution."

Most who commented in kgw.com's poll agreed the idea that an animal should be killed rather than live a life that includes a fence is a warped sense of animal rights.

Authorities Thursday morning admitted that euthanizing Snowball was one possible option.

However, officials with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife released a statement later Thursday saying one or both deer cannot survive in the wild, the department will do "everything possible to locate a legal facility that has the skills and ability to care for the animals in captivity."

Since Snowball has problems walking due to a deformity and was raised in captivity, she did not develop natural survival skills, the family that has been keeping her said.

There's no question that the Molalla family was breaking the law when it took the deer in as a pet. But the public has been urging the state to find a creative solution that will keep the deer safe and alive.

As of Thursday morning, results of a poll on kgw.com showed that an overwhelming 97 percent of voters want the state to grant the family permission to keep the deer.

SHARE/READ: Comments about the seizing of Snowball

“This family saved this deer from a sure death, nursed it back to health and have taken care of it for 5 years… Now all of the sudden the state wants to jump in, show their power by putting down the deer because they can't make it in the wild on their own… Why not leave well enough alone. Let this family continue taking care of the two deer and let them live out their natural lives and everybody is happy,” one kgw.com viewer wrote. “After all, there are exceptions to every law and this case deserves to be revised to do the right thing.”

“If the deer is safe and healthy staying with the family, then the State should allow the family to keep the deer. Given the circumstances, it would be more humane and less costly for tax payers,” added another viewer, named Jean.

Viewer J Lowrie said his brother is a state wildlife biologist and he understands some of the reasoning behind the state’s policies regarding wildlife management but the state has the authority to grant a permit to allow the Molalla family to keep the deer.

Click here to contact Ore. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Other kgw.com viewers have launched a letter-writing, e-mail and phone campaign, urging taxpayers to share their opinions with the state agency by contacting the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Background: Authorities seize pet dear; family in tears

“I've never considered myself an animal rights activists but this case really bothers me. These people have fed and taken care of an animal that otherwise would have died and the State's response? Take it away and euthanize it. Our tax dollars at work in Oregon, what a waste,” added viewer Kevin.

A minority of viewers voiced support for ODFW. One person wrote, " I want to voice my support for the actions of ODFW in seizing the deer being kept as pets in Molalla. Every citizen should know that capturing and keeping a wild animal is against the law. Both the family that kept the deer and the veterinarian who cared for it are in the wrong for failing to notify the authorities when it was first discovered. While I sympathize with the animal lovers who want the animals returned, there are bigger issues here - not the least of which are respect for the law and respect for wildlife."