MONROE COUNTY, Fla. — Two men were arrested in Monroe County, Florida, after Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers found three Key deer tied up inside a vehicle.
Officers said they pulled over the vehicle Sunday morning because of a broken taillight, but found two Key deer bound with heavy twine in the back seat and a third in the trunk.
Officers said the Key deer were bound at the hooves and appeared to be struggling.
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The animals are an endangered species.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers came for backup and safely untied the animals.
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The three deer were released into the wild. Two of them ran off and wellness checks are being conducted on the third.
The men in the vehicle, who were not identified, were arrested on multiple charges, including injuring an endangered species, taking of deer out of season and animal cruelty.