Second Coyote with Leg Hold Trap Killed Tuesday: DEM Says

PORTSMOUTH, RI--A coyote with an injured leg, due to a trap attached, was killed Tuesday by a property owner, the state Department of Environmental Management says.

The shooting was legal, according to DEM spokeswoman Gail Mastrati. The Portsmouth property owner acted because the coyote was attempting to raid his chicken coop. That owner noticed the coyote was dragging a trap on its leg. He notified the state about the trap.

Portsmouth police had previously posted a picture of the animal on Facebook and told residents the coyote had last been spotted Sunday near Wapping Road.

The leg hold trap is illegal in Rhode Island, Mastrati said, and this was the second time a trap has been seen on a coyote on Aquidneck Island. The environmental police shot and killed the first coyote in Middletown two weeks ago, Mastrati said.

DEM is investigating both incidents and asks people with information to contact the environmental police at 401-222-3070.

Under Rhode Island law, penalties for illegal traps are punishable by a fine not to exceed $500, by imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both, Mastrati said. "Any person found guilty will have his or her trapping license and privilege to trap revoked for one year from the date of conviction."

But in cases of malicious cruelty, the penalties can escalate.

"By state law, anyone who maliciously wounds an animal is subject to a penalty of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000," she said.