Reward offered in killing of coyote

VISTA — In Defense of Animals (IDA), an international animal rights and protection organization, has offered a reward of $1,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who set an illegal snare trap killing a coyote.A resident in Vista discovered the coyote on Nov. 20 in his backyard. The animal was found alive with the snare cutting into her stomach – she was nearly cut in half. She was taken to the Escondido Humane Society where she was humanely euthanized.

“Coyotes have been persecuted for centuries now and they have an endured an incomprehensible amount of cruelty, torture and an immense death toll,” said Anja Heister, director of the Wild and Free—Habitats Campaign, “so did this poor coyote, who endured unimaginable pain and suffering before she died. In perhaps a last effort to be saved, the coyote licked the hand of Mr. Reilly, the resident who found and tried in vain to help her.” Heister added, “Someone without an ounce of compassion, but filled with hate and aggression toward other living beings, brutally killed this innocent coyote. This person, likely a trapper, has no feelings for others, and thus is a danger to society — people and fellow animals.”

Coyotes are members of the dog family; they are curious, adaptable and learn quickly. Coyotes are naturally wary of people but can habituate to our presence and the reliable food sources that we provide and they play a crucial role in keeping ecosystems healthy by eating rodents, rabbits, as well as fruit, insects and carrion.

The use of snare traps is a serious crime in California that is punishable by up to a year in prison and a $10,000 fine. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call the Snare Trap Tip Line at (888) 334-2258 or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at (858) 467-4257.