A recent news release by PETA urges followers to contact a Halifax County, Virginia, councilman to stop a proposed poisoning of problem coyotes. PETA reports that poisoning causes “Convulsions, vomiting, internal bleeding, and gradual cardiac collapse leading to slow, agonizing deaths!” The animal rights group’s release also downplayed trapping as a means to control problem coyotes.
On the list of problem solutions is an odd one offered up by PETA: vegetation management. No details were given on what this puzzling management option means.
On December 5, 2011, the South Boston News and Record newspaper reported that the Halifax County Supervisors were addressing the ever-growing problem of the county’s coyote population. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had previously provided board members with a sample agreement for a cooperative program between the County and the USDA in would provide funds on a matching basis to help control problem coyotes. The proposal calls for a $5,000 contribution from the County, which would be matched by USDA, to target trouble areas where coyotes are preying on livestock.
The Wildlife Service uses neck snares, foothold traps, shooting and M-44 Cyanide ejectors to control the coyotes, as well as offering protection collars for livestock.
Bounties paid on coyotes have been unsuccessful in controlling the population, the newspaper reports. Another thing the Board may opt to do is remove the requirement that centerfire rifles must be used only from elevated stands, thereby allowing livestock owners more freedom to shoot coyotes, commented the USDA.
PETA reports that “coyotes are loyal, sensitive animals who are merely trying to forage for their families in areas where humans have encroached.” No mention if PETA will pay for the livestock damages caused by, and pets killed by, problem coyotes.