CITY HALL — Coyotes soon could have new protections against harassment — especially at the hands of the city's Department of Animal Care and Control.
The City Council's Health Committee signed off Monday on a "coyote management program" proposed by Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd).
Hopkins said the program would establish a "default policy" to "leave that animal alone," instead of having Animal Control officers chase them to no good end, unless the animals are causing problems.
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The committee heard testimony in May that coyotes are thriving in the city and preying on the rat and goose populations, and pose little threat to people or dogs walked on a leash.
Hopkins granted late amendments to his proposal that left Animal Control officers free to address a threatening or dangerous coyote on a "case-by-case basis," but always with a preference to leave the animals alone if possible. "Animal Control would retain their full authority," Hopkins said.
The plan advances to Wednesday's City Council meeting for final approval.
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