By JAY REEVES
Associated Press
PELHAM, Ala. - Wildlife lovers are protesting a new state rule they say is a death sentence for helpless baby raccoons, skunks and other wild animals in Alabama.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says it will no longer issue permits letting groups or individuals rehabilitate raccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes, coyotes, feral pigs or bats.
The agency says anyone who finds an orphaned or sick animal should leave it in the wild, and humane organizations should euthanize any of the animals they receive.
But wildlife workers are appalled at the decision.
Rehabilitation worker Kim Robinson of Huntsville says she's quitting rather than become what she calls a "murder machine" for the state.
Animal rescuer John Russ of Scottsboro says he's going to continue saving baby raccoons and other animals.