LANSING, Mich. – The Oversight Subcommittee on Weaponization of State Government today celebrated a significant resolution to a years-long dispute between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG). 

Under the leadership of Chair Rep. Angela Rigas, the subcommittee conducted oversight hearings and investigated allegations of inconsistent and aggressive enforcement by the DNR. These efforts, combined with bipartisan facilitation—including direct involvement from Minority Vice Chair Rep. Laurie Pohutsky in helping with negotiations—led to constructive dialogue and this positive outcome. Rigas personally met with leadership from both the DNR and DAWG to advocate for fairness, transparency, and a humane resolution that protects wildlife rehabilitation efforts while addressing agency concerns. 

Subcommittee members thanked DNR Director Scott Bowen and Natural Resources Deputy Director Shannon Lott for their willingness to engage in good-faith discussions and work toward this common-sense resolution. 

As a direct result of these collaborative efforts: 

• The DNR has dropped its case to revoke DAWG’s wildlife rehabilitation permit. 

• DAWG’s permit has been renewed. 

• A scientific collector’s permit has been issued, ensuring the continued safe care of animals such as the non-releasable coyote “Kota.” 

Rep. Angela Rigas (R-79), Chair of the Oversight Subcommittee on Weaponization of State Government: “From the moment this issue was brought to our attention, the subcommittee recognized clear signs of overreach and arbitrary enforcement that threatened a valued community resource. Through rigorous oversight, public hearings, and good-faith negotiations with both the DNR and DAWG, we have reached a fair compromise that ends years of unnecessary conflict. I especially thank Director Scott Bowen and Deputy Director Shannon Lott for their partnership in finding this resolution. This outcome demonstrates that when government weaponization is exposed and challenged, accountability and common-sense solutions can prevail. Finally, I thank DAWG for their dedication to animal welfare and their patience in finding an amicable solution.” 

Shannon Lott, DNR Natural Resources Deputy Director: “The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is grateful to Rep. Rigas for her leadership in working with the department to find a common sense resolution to concerns at the Detroit Animal Welfare Group. The resolution will bring DAWG into compliance with the law and allow the facility to continue to operate. The DNR is working to update and simplify regulations for rehabilitation facilities throughout the state. We recognize that properly licensed and operated rehabilitation facilities are critical to the care of orphaned and injured wildlife in Michigan.” 

Rep. Josh Schriver (R-66), Majority Vice Chair: “Constituents in my district deserve fair treatment and consistent enforcement from every state agency. I appreciate how we as a subcommittee we were able to work to bring both sides to the table and secure a resolution that protects lawful wildlife rehabilitation while restoring accountability and transparency in the process. This is exactly what legislative oversight is supposed to accomplish.” 

Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-17), Minority Vice Chair: “I’m relieved that we’ve arrived at a solution that works for all parties and keeps the animals in question safe. I’m grateful to Chair Rigas, Director Bowen, and Deputy Director Lott for their work on this issue and for being so dedicated to safeguarding our state’s natural resources, including its animals.” 

Rep. Jason Woolford (R-50), Member: “Oversight works when it brings transparency, accountability, and balance back into government decision-making, and this resolution is a clear example of that.” 

Oversight Subcommittee on Weaponization of State Government members commend all parties for reaching this agreement and will continue monitoring implementation to ensure lasting accountability and transparency in state wildlife policy. The subcommittee remains committed to rooting out government overreach, protecting Michigan residents and organizations from abusive enforcement, and ensuring every state agency operates with fairness and transparency.