In an article published online on November 17, Metro News Toronto talked to a trapper about coyotes. He explained that he doesn’t want to cause pain to coyotes, and certainly doesn’t want to trap anyone’s dog. The article did have a small note from a manager at Toronto Animal Services, though it clearly focused on the trapper.
There were a few things they skipped over, the photo attached to this blog included. The pain and suffering of an animal held against their will is immeasurable. The non-target species catches, which can be up to 67 per cent of animals caught in traps, also feel this pain and suffering. The domestic cats and dogs caught in these traps feel it, too.
The truth is that trapping is a cruel business. There is no humane way to do it – despite what trade agreements may have been put in place. And there is no need for it.
We know that persecuting coyotes – and other mesopredators – increases their populations. We know that a dead coyote can’t learn, whereas a live one can be hazed and taught to stay away from humans – and pass that knowledge on to their family unit.
The article published by Metro News Toronto isn’t journalism. It’s barely even news. It’s an advertisement for an industry that can – and will – lead to the suffering of countless animals. All for a little fur trim and cash in the pocket.
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