BREAKING: Charges Dropped Against Michigan Duck Rescue Founders After DNR Case Collapses
The legal battle between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary has come to an end. with all charges dismissed against the couple who run the operation.
Matthew and Teresa Lyson, founders of the Salem Township sanctuary, had faced six criminal charges each after state officials accused them of keeping and caring for waterfowl without proper permits. This week, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the cases in their entirety, following months of public scrutiny and growing political pressure.
“This is great news,” Lyson told Keeping It Real. “All charges against me and Teresa are 100 percent gone. It’s a done deal, and we get to start new.”
Background of the Case
The Michigan Duck Rescue and Sanctuary has operated for nearly two decades, caring for injured or abandoned ducks, geese, and other waterfowl — many of which suffer from “angel wing,” a deformity often caused by people feeding them improper food. The Lysons say their work was motivated by compassion and necessity, helping birds that had been hit by cars, tangled in fishing line, or left unable to fly.
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The DNR claimed the Lysons were rehabbing wild birds without a license and ordered that some of the birds on the property be euthanized. The Lysons maintained that no crime was committed and that their only intent was to provide care for animals with no other options.
“We always contended that we did absolutely nothing criminally wrong from the onset,” Lyson said in a written update following the dismissal. “All of our actions were in good faith in assisting people who came across injured waterfowl with nowhere else to go.”
Legal and Legislative Support
Lyson credited a network of animal advocates and attorneys who stepped up to help. His first call was to animal law attorney Bee Friedlander, who connected him with attorney Celeste Dunn and Kelley LaBonty of Detroit Animal Welfare Group. They, in turn, found young Denver-based attorney Steffen Seitz, who took the case pro bono.
Former federal prosecutor Rick Convertino and former Washtenaw County prosecutor Lenore Ferber later joined as additional counsel, also volunteering their time.
Lyson said the case gained major traction after Keeping It Real first reported on it, which helped draw attention from lawmakers including Rep. Ken Borton and Rep. Angela Rigas. Both legislators have been investigating alleged overreach by the DNR and are pushing for reforms to how the agency handles wildlife rehabilitation.
“They were instrumental,” Lyson said. “Representative Borton told me he’d make calls to every key player, and he did. He and Rep. Rigas have been working hard to expose DNR malfeasance and push for accountability.”
Media and Public Response
The story quickly spread across Michigan media outlets, including WXYZ-TV, WWJ Radio, and the Detroit Free Press. National attention grew after musician and activist Ted Nugent shared the story online.
Since that coverage, a groundswell of support has followed. Thousands of residents have shared the Lysons’ story on social media, signed petitions, and contacted lawmakers demanding changes to state rehabilitation rules.
“The support was absolutely overwhelming and heartwarming,” Lyson said. “Every post, every share made a difference.”
What Comes Next
Despite the victory, Lyson said the work is not over. He plans to continue working with legislators to reform wildlife policies and to improve communication and cooperation with the DNR.
“Our new mission is nowhere near complete,” he said. “We will be working with the Michigan Legislature at every turn to enshrine these needed policies into law and to find common ground with the DNR. Changing decades of mismanagement won’t be easy, but it’s possible.”
Lyson said the goal now is to ensure no one else has to endure what he and his wife went through. “This isn’t just about us,” he said. “It’s about compassion, common sense, and protecting Michigan’s wildlife.”
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