I got this email from a client today shortly after I removed a pup coyote. All people involved are grown men, go figure.
David,
Good afternoon! I just wanted to shoot you a quick email about the coyotes on our property. I was under the impression that these animals were going to be captured and released elsewhere. If this is not the case, could you please let me know? Also, if you do for whatever reason have to dispose of them, could you take care of that off of the property somewhere? Several of my guys complained to me this afternoon that the coyote was killed in front of them. I appreciate all of your help with this situation- if we could just be on the same page with how this is going to take place that would be great. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks-
And my response.
Sorry if there has been a misunderstanding I thought I had explained the disposition of captured carnivores in the state of Georgia. I and anyone licensed to capture wildlife under a nuisance permit are required to euthanize all captured carnivores. This regulation is in place to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvo. I apologize if your employees were not aware of this and were offended. If it helps the coyote was not "killed" in front of them but was already dispatched when they arrived on scene. I make my best effort to conduct euthanasia practices out of the sight of bystanders and the general public but I can not prevent employees or others on the property from following me or monitoring my activities. As the traps and area being trapped lie outside of the boundary fence and not in a normal work area can I request that employees not required to be in areas of the lot adjacent to the traps for normal duties to refrain from going near the area?
As for your request that I remove the animals from the property alive for dispostion elsewhere, I can for additional fees of $150 per animal removed. This is due to the increased risk to myself and anyone I may encounter while handling wildlife capable of inflicting serious bodily harm. It is standard company policy that we do not handle such live wildlife any longer than is nessesary to effect capture and disposition. This is for the safety of everyone involved. Please advise me of your wishes.
I have also included both best management practices for the capture of eastern coyotes and the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia for your consideration. These two publications are the accepted industry standards.