PORTLAND, Ore. -- Snowball the deer will be moved to a wildlife safari near Roseburg because the safari is best equipped to care for the animal, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife officials told KGW Friday.

"We greatly appreciate Rosse Posse Acres' offer, but we believe the Wildlife Safari is a better fit," said Rick Hargrave, spokesman for ODFW.

He said Snowball is in good health, but Wildlife Safari in Winston, Ore. is an accredited facility with a full time staff of trained veteranarians to care for the deer moving forward. In addition, the safari staff has worked with seized wildlife.

More: Snowball to go to Wildlife Safari petting zoo

"ODFW is moving the deer in the best interest of its long term care," Hargrave said.

He confirmed that the move is expected to take place at the end of the month after a special pen is created for the deer.

KGW photo

Snowball, the pet deer.

Geordie Duckler, the attorney representing a Molalla family who raised the disabled deer and wants custody of Snowball, said that if the deer is moved, it would violate Judge Eve Miller’s on-the-record statement in court to maintain the status quo until the state’s appeal works its way through the legal process.

According to Hargrave, ODFW's legal counsel was consulted and they believe the move will not be in violation.

Duckler said he may file a contempt of court motion if the deer is moved.

Initially, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife said it would place Snowball at the Rosse Posse Acres, near the Molalla family.

Background: Snowball to be sent to Rosse Posse Acres

Rosse Posse had offered to provide a home for the deer.

Meanwhile, Oregon Rep. Vic Gilliam (R-Silverton) said Thursday he would not oppose the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s decision to place Snowball at the Wildlife Safari in Douglas County. However, he questioned the agency’s decision-making process and its cost to Oregon taxpayers.

“I have taken my children to Wildlife Safari on many occasions and have a great respect for their professionalism,” Gilliam said. “However, this latest move only reminds me of several disappointing aspects of this whole affair. Why couldn’t this decision been made months before and without the considerable expense incurred to Oregon taxpayers?”

Gilliam questioned how citizens can trust a government that confiscates a single deer from a caring family. Currently, Oregon taxpayers are on the hook for an estimated $42,000 of ODFW staff time, $1,744 for veterinary, holding and testing costs, and $74,041 in legal costs.

In light of the Snowball controversy, Gilliam questioned Governor Kulongoski’s decision to give large pay raises to his political appointees, including a $18,588 a month raise to ODFW Director Roy Elicker.

“When many Oregon families are struggling, how can state government reward poor judgment and management?” Gilliam asked.

Gilliam said he may consider introducing legislation to prevent ODFW from “frivolous seizures.”