Informed Opinions on Today’s Topics : Should City Start Trapping Coyotes Again?

On June 28, the Board of Commissioners of the Los Angeles Department of Animal Regulations voted to ban all coyote trapping in the city, ending a yearlong period in which only traps that captured coyotes but did not harm them were used. Wildlife activists argued that animals could still be injured by the traps and that the city should not be in the business of managing wild animals. At a recent public meeting organized by City Councilwoman Laura Chick, however, several San Fernando Valley residents reported increased coyote sightings and a growing number of attacks on pets.

Should Los Angeles end its ban on coyote trapping?

Caroline Rose, owner of a 16-year-old ranch and kennel in the Santa Monica Mountains:

“We need (coyotes) for animal control. It’s an ecological balance. . . . The people sobbing into their Kleenex should have had the sense to protect their pets in the first place. I honestly believe they need to trap them now. It’s out of control in the residential areas. They should stay out of the open country, though.”

Richard Felosky, animal regulations officer in charge of the department’s West Valley Animal Care and Control Center in Chatsworth:

“Our job is to educate people in all aspects of animal keeping. The emphasis seems to be that we haven’t done that. We have always done that. . . . It would be stupid of someone to think they could eliminate the coyote population.”

Laura Chick, Los Angeles city councilwoman:

“I’m neither for or against trapping. It’s a matter of economics. The city doesn’t have the resources to support this service at this time. If there was a consensus to trap, it likely would need to be fee-for-service. The county of Los Angeles already provides this service as a fee-for-service program. Therefore, there is . . . no need to duplicate the service.”

Lila Brooks, director of Hollywood-based California Wildlife Defenders, which spearheaded the ban:

“(Complaints) are nothing new. I expected that. The coyotes are maligned. We are the intruders. . . . Every day, more and more wildlife habitat is being covered up for human use. People are determined to eliminate these creatures. . . . Those people who lose pets to coyotes are sloppy pet owners.”

Cathy Singleton, executive director of Actors & Others for Animals, a North Hollywood-based animals rights group:

“We certainly do endorse (the ban) . . . and hope the city will continue to enforce it. The coyotes were being trapped in such an inhumane way (before). We feel that nature will take care of itself out there. There is such a thing as survival of the fittest.”

Bob Eisenhart, 12-year Woodland Hills resident:

“I think it should be repealed. (The ban) just allows coyotes to go wherever they want. I don’t think that’s working. . . . Something has changed here. To me, the only coincidence is that they stopped trapping them. I’ve never seen a coyote before this season.”

Edward C. Cubrda, president of the Los Angeles SPCA and Southern California Humane Society:

“I think the majority of complaints have to do with people losing their pets. That can be prevented. . . . Education doesn’t always seem to do the trick. With the coyote situation, if education is not working, what else can be done? It’s a shame that people can’t learn to live with these creatures.”