Putting a leghold trap in a park not a safe or humane practice

Re: Cambridge removes coyote traps after photos spark outcry — July 14

It seems to me that putting leghold traps in a park is dangerous for animals and people. You reported that resident George Aitkin came across a coyote in a leghold trap in Churchill Park during broad daylight. The animal was in obvious distress which he understandably found hard to witness.

Most disturbing perhaps is that the trap was clearly not being monitored. Mr. Aitkin had to go home and contact the city to let them know about the coyote in distress in one of its traps. Coyotes are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular creatures. How long had it been struggling in that trap?

I don’t think it was a safe or humane practice to put a leghold trap in a park and not monitor it, and I hope that this will be seriously reviewed and addressed by city staff and council. I would hope that clear and comprehensive plans for dealing with wildlife are reviewed and approved by council in the future, with input from experts in government and conservation.

I understand and respect that city council’s focus is on the people of Cambridge. However, I believe that the people of this region expect that the well-being of the other living things we share this space with is also considered and that compassion and humane treatment are paramount considerations at all times. Shannon Pennington

Waterloo