The emotional case of Bam-Bam the pet deer is heading to Premier Dalton McGuinty.

"We can't stop now," 72-year-old Bruce Straby, who found and raised Bam-Bam, said yesterday after the minister of natural resources rejected a special permit to allow the Greely family to care for the doe.

"We're going to continue the fight."

The minister, David Ramsay, said the permit would set a bad precedent.

"It's an unfortunate situation, but our laws regarding the care of animals are designed to protect those animals and you can't make exceptions to laws, or you risk the chance that we'll be unable to enforce them properly when necessary," said Ramsay's press secretary, Anne-Marie Flanagan.

Straby found Bam-Bam abandoned on the side of a road as a fawn. He took her home to his wife, Christina, 69, and they raised her for six months.

Bam-Bam was moved to their friend's neighbouring farm, where she remained until ministry officials seized her more than a week ago.

An investigation continues and charges could be laid.

Bam-Bam is now staying at the Papanack Park Zoo in Wendover, which paid the ministry for Bam-Bam's transfer, Flanagan said.

The Strabys were in shock and disbelief last night when informed of Ramsay's decision by the Sun. The ministry said it had no intention of advising the Strabys of the decision.

"I'm at a loss for words and understanding," Bruce said. "I thought we did everything right, that we did what nice, real people do."

Public outcry has led to almost 7,000 signatures collected on many petitions circulating throughout the city.

"They have to answer to the people and thousands of people are saying they're not answering," Bruce said.

Nepean-Carleton Tory MPP Lisa MacLeod pleaded with the minister to grant the permit. Ramsay's rejection came as the Legislature recessed for the holidays.

"If (Ramsay) thinks he can do this on the last minute the Legislature is sitting, we have to make it sure it doesn't happen," Bruce said.

Bruce, along with the Livingston family, who kept Bam-Bam on their nearby farm, said they will appeal to McGuinty.

Leaving a Tim Hortons yesterday, Bruce stopped and picked up a penny he spotted on the sidewalk.

His wife said he doesn't ever leave a penny on the ground.

"I've still got it, it's in my pocket," Bruce said. "This is one penny I'm not going to spend."