Hundreds of family pets, protected species killed by little known federal agency

Fox News ^ | March 13, 2013 | Cristina Corbin

[grundle]

Over the years, Wildlife Services has killed thousands of non-target animals in several states – from pet dogs to protected species – caught in body-gripping conibear traps and leg hold snares, or poisoned by lethal M-44 devices that explode sodium cyanide capsules when triggered by a wild animal – or the snout of a curious family pet.

The McCurtains, like many other families, were never informed that such deadly devices were placed so close to their home in grass near the edge of a pond where their young son kicks his soccer ball and their daughter catches turtles.

The traps, set on communal property owned by the neighborhood association, were meant to kill an infestation of nutria, rat-like pests that pose no danger to people but can be harmful to the environment. The only warning sign was a small placard in the grass that identified the device as government property and cautioned against tampering with it. The neighborhood association told the McCurtains it never would have approved such traps had it known they were so deadly.

"It’s unconscionable that anybody with an ounce of common sense would set these traps in an area frequented by the public and their pets," said Brooks Fahy, executive director of Predator Defense, a national watchdog group that advocates non-lethal predator control.

[bgill]

the neighborhood association

That's where most problems begin.

[pgkdan]

"It’s unconscionable that anybody with an ounce of common sense would set these traps in an area frequented by the public and their pets," said Brooks Fahy, executive director of Predator Defense, a national watchdog group that advocates non-lethal predator control.

well that's true but we're talking about the government so all arguments about rational thinking and common sense are invalid.

[Salamander]

OMG.

[Gaffer]

I could say something about vacations and locations, but prudence dictates that I should not.

[Slings and Arrows]

"Hi! I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you!"

[Impala64ssa]

Proving once again, Pres. Reagan was right. “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” And there are those who believe in trusting this gov’t to determine who’s mentally fit to be privileged to own firearms? Be afraid. Be very afraid.

[Texan5]

Absolutely true-and a big part of why I choose to live in BF Egypt...

[Fawn]

Then don’t move into one. They serve a purpose.

[Fawn]

That organization LOVES to kill things....they are the same idiots who blame cats for the bird population. All morons who love to kill things.

[lonevoice]

ping

[MarkL]

Just be glad they’re not using weaponized drones!

Mark

[freekitty]

Boy is it ever.

[Monkey Face]

One of the local TV cannels has a segment called, “The HOA Hall of Shame,” and about every 10 days, there is another HOA in the valley that is held to account by the public.

I love it. It has uncovered so much BS. I would never want to live in HOA-controlled property.

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[trisham]

Exactly right.

[trisham]

They serve a purpose.

******************************

To kill family pets?

[Salamander]

If cats had been killed, she’d be pitching a fit but it’s just dead dogs so she’s all for it.

[trisham]

I’d bet money on that.

[Salamander]

I’m sure cats were killed too.

[probably ~many~ more than dogs as there are so many more running loose, overall but since they’re so easily buried they simply didn’t get reported]

I don’t like cats but the thought of them being slaughtered like this infuriates me.

The government has gone rogue in all respects.

It truly has become “us against them”.