A human who would do to any living thing what was done to this young coyote is on the way to becoming a murderer and/or torturer of other humans. If you observe or hear of anyone doing something like this to any animal, please call the DNR TIP line or contact the coyote rescue center.

For violations of Indiana's water pollution laws or fish and wildlife laws, individuals may call 1-800-TIP-IDNR (800-847-4367). TIP stands for "Turn in a Poacher / Turn in a Polluter." This line is staffed by Conservation Officers who will refer the call to the appropriate state agency or follow the lead as an enforcement issue. Callers are not required to give their names or testify in court. IDEM also has an emergency spill line which is for major chemical spills. Reports from citizens can always go through the TIP-IDNR line to reach this unit, if needed.

These photos came from Indiana Coyote Rescue Center. They were taken by a vet who was called to get this unfortunate animal from a garage where it had taken refuge. According to the vet. someone had shot this animal in both front legs, apparently for no other purpose that to make this animal suffer. What follows is a copy of the email Veterinarian Rachael Jones concerning the young female coyote pictured below:

From: RJonesDVM/CKeeleyDVM
To:
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2008 11:18 AM
Subject: Re: coyote

Hi JoAnn--I'm very sorry to let you know that the little female coyote had to be euthanized. She was only about a year old and , as you know --her left foreleg was a mangled, infected stump and the right foreleg was hopelessly shattered in the elbow region with open wounds infested with maggots and gangrene.

She had been shot, as there were lead fragments in both injured legs. Why whoever shot her (and for whatever reason) did not at least have the humanity to finish the job ---so this poor wild creature did not languish and suffer for day--- is beyond me.

I just don't understand the cruelty harbored in some folks.She surely had suffered greatly and for several days. I cannot imagine how she even made it from where she was shot to the shelter of your garage. She must have just scooted herself on her chest/belly with her back legs. The pain must have been excruciating to do that.

If she had only sustained the mangling or loss of one leg, I would have been willing to amputate the stump to spare her life (and place her in a refuge in central Indiana for injured/non-releasable coyotes---Google Indiana Coyote Rescue for their website if you are interested in reading about that facility). Losing both front limbs would be an entirely different matter and she was very toxic from the gangrene.

It's my belief that she was shot somewhere nearby because I just cannot fathom her traveling too far in the condition she was in with those types of injuries.
I'm not sure if it's against the law to discharge a firearm in your neighborhood or not, but if it is, you might want to keep your ears open to hear if anyone brags or "fesses up" about shooting a coyote...even if it's legal to shoot in your area...it might be a good thing to let them know how badly this animal suffered on account of their actions.

It's not against the law to shoot a coyote any time of the year in Indiana if the landowner feels it is threatening their livestock or property. This amounts to it being ok to shoot them on sight. I do think the person who shoots it is required by law to report it to their conservation officer within 72 hours or they can be charged.

Thankfully it does not look like this female was nursing any pups so at least we know she did not leave babies orphaned with her passing. She only weighed 24 lbs, poor little thing.

Thank you for doing the right thing in trying to get her some help. The world needs more compassion and tolerance and it's refreshing to find that it still exists.

Best regards,

Rachael Jones, DVM CVA

Live Bait Dog Training Rule Hearing July 15

These photos are similar to photos of coyotes used in "live bait dog training" where wild animals are turned loose in a fenced run where dogs are then introduceed to chase the wild animal. Animals used are literally torn to pieces although trainers claim otherwise. There are many of photos of this practice available from the coyote rescue center. Some Indiana trappers have been selling coyotes, racoons, and other wild animals to these dog operations located in one or two southern states. A DNR regulation that would end sale of animals in Indiana to these so-called dog trainers. The regulation will be considered by the Indiana DNR Commission during its regular monthly meeting, held July 15 in Portage, Indiana.

NIRPC Building
6100 Southport RD
Portage, IN
7pm EDT 6pm CDT
Please try to attend to show your support for our Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Even tho you have allready commented, this is the only time you can face the commission to let them know how you feel. Commenting to them personally can have an impact just before they make their decision.
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CeAnn Lambert
Indiana Coyote Rescue Center
http://www.coyoterescue.org