Letter to the Editor: Coyote Trap Bill in Albany is Inhumane

Letter to the Editor:

Pending legislation in Albany, Bill A927a, would repeal New York’s longstanding ban on inhumane and dangerous snare traps (known as “linked” or “relaxed” snares), mainly to kill coyotes.

These unforgiving devices are being promoted as a way to “humanely” and “effectively” control wildlife, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Once trapped, the animal is tormented for hours, until losing consciousness, at which time the device “relaxes” until the animal once again tries to break free, leading to massive bodily injury. Because they are only required to be checked once a day, coyotes as well as unintended victims like dogs and the imperiled New England cottontail could be stuck languishing in pain for hours until the trapper returns. Depending on the animal’s behavior and other factors, this trap can choke and strangle the victim to death.

This method is cruel and unnecessary, and we should not reverse the ban on snare traps. I assume that Assembly member Thomas Abinanti agreed to sponsor the bill in good faith, believing that he was backing a humane device. However, now is the time to re-evaluate this controversial and very unpopular bill which counters the Assemblymember’s good intentions, and withdraw the proposal.

Sincerely

Linda Conte

Croton-on-Hudson, NY