Wed Apr. 15 2009 3:38:13 PM
City says it's only using box traps to catch Beaches coyote
cp24.com
The Beaches coyote continues to make appearances in the neighbourhood despite attempts by animal control to capture it. (Becky Cook for CP24.com)
The City of Toronto says it is only using humane box traps to catch a coyote that has been prowling the Beaches neighbourhood in recent months.
Senior communications advisor Rob Andrusevich made the statement to CP24 on Wednesday, a day after the Toronto Humane Society issued a press release protesting the use of snare traps in the ongoing effort to capture the animal.
"We are continuing the use of box traps as they present the most humane option for capture and transport," says Andrusevich. "Our work continues to focus on a humane capture and transport of the coyote to a zoo or wildlife centre."
The Humane Society release, issued Tuesday, urged the city to avoid using "inhumane and cruel" snare traps to catch the animal, which has been sighted regularly in the east end neighbourhood since February.
"These traps can cause physical harm to the animal as well as mental distress," states the media release. "It is not uncommon that the animal would maim itself to escape from the trap."
The group recommends allowing the animal to leave the area on its own, and as a last resort, using box traps.
The coyote has been named "Neville" after the street it continually appears on and was most recently spotted on the weekend. The sighting was in a backyard where it killed a pet Chihuahua earlier this year.
Animal control officers have so far been unable to capture the coyote and transfer it to a wildlife refuge or zoo.
| E-Mail Story |
Caribana 2010
Taste of the Danforth
G20 Special Section
Comments are now closed for this story
April 14, 2009 at 2:37:50 PM
bovo
These will be the first people to complain when the coyote takes their dog! Catch it any way possible!
April 14, 2009 at 3:44:23 PM
Stella
Where is the Toronto Wildlife Centre in all of this???? Can they not assist animal control?
April 14, 2009 at 6:18:28 PM
Debbie
There's more then one Coyote in the beach. I live at Woodbine & Kingston and there's one in the Grave yard too. I saw one roaming Kingston Road late one night. It doesn't bother anyone. I would hate to see it harmed in anyway.
April 15, 2009 at 11:21:36 PM
brigette
Should we try to capture every fox and coyote that wanders through my west rouge backyard? Leave the coyote alone, learn to live with nature. You are more likely to be bit by a domesticated dog!
April 15, 2009 at 11:48:44 PM
Mr. Truthseeker
I can't believe this coyote stuff gets this much publicity. We have banks kicking families out of their homes with no where to live. Point is, is that there are more important issues out there that should make it this far. Silly humans we are.
April 15, 2009 at 3:39:00 AM
Josh F. Lindley
1. how does this qualify as news? every major city in Canada has coyotes.
No big deal.
2. the idea that a set of traps might end the existence of coyotes in this neighbourhood, or any other neighbourhood in this city or any other one is ludicrous.
Let nature take it's course, and if you own a chihuahua in Toronto, you should understand that that breed of dog is not suited to this climate or city.
April 15, 2009 at 6:10:48 AM
Brandon
We don't even catch criminals in such a crual manner........
Maybe this 'CATCHING' manner upon criminals should be further investigated???
C'mon people let's set some Standard's.....
April 15, 2009 at 9:36:56 AM
bill
People need to understand that this is a wild animal and will find a food source were ever possible. It has already proved that it is bold enough to take pets right from your backyards. Its just a matter of time before it attacks a child. This of course is rare but has happened in Los Angeles. The child, while playing in the yard was attacked and killed by a coyote. Due to lack of hunting,this animals population is souring. The city's are now seeing and will continue to see more coyotes until there population is but in check. This is done by hunting, the same is done for deer, bear, geese,etc... So ask yourself this... If there is one chance in a million the a child could be hurt or killed by a coyote, witch would you choose. The coyotes protection or the child's ? The answer is obvious .
April 15, 2009 at 4:45:48 PM
Mom
Since you took the time to post the rare Los Angelos death. Take the time to look up the deaths caused by domestic dogs. Be aware of your surroundings and learn to live with nature. Leave the coyote alone or better yet move.
April 15, 2009 at 5:12:37 PM
Samantha
The THS suggests the coyote be allowed to leave the area on "its own". Brilliant! Why hasn't this been put forward earlier? Maybe a few post-its on the trees will do it: "Dear Coyote, please move along. When you feel like it, of course...". Perhaps this esteemed organisation will next suggest efforts be made to curb the coyote's instintive hunting practices as well. The odds that either will occur are equal.
April 15, 2009 at 8:40:22 PM
5th Generation Canadian
We live in North York bordering on a hydro field and close to the East Don walking trails. We see coyotes, fox and deer regularly. It's wonderful! We keep our cats inside (where they should be anyway!) and our dog under close supervision. A little care allows us to enjoy nature -- after all, we enroached on THEIR land. Where else are they to go???