Recent content by smedrickson

Hawk Update Just wanted to let you know the hawk is feeling much better. X-rays revealed that there is a break in the right wing which has already begun to heal. He is eating over a dozen mice per day now and gaining weight rapidly. He is receiving antibiotics, probiotics and vitamins. We...

You are absolutley correct, Osprey are Federally protected which is why I hold a current Federal Migratory Bird Rehabilitation Permit as well as a WCC permit. I receive calls directly from Maryland residents and referrals from DNR, local law enforcement, other WCCs and animal control. I have...

Dead Eye - the conibear trap, according to the manufacturer, closes with 90 pounds pressure and trappers use a special tool to open it. Most adults can't open one without the tool. I would agree that leg hold traps most likely can be removed from mangled limbs by a young adult.

I respect and agree with you concerning the correctly placed bullet to the head. I do not agree that beating an animal to death or drowning an animal is humane. Slow suffocation is not humane in my book either. A correctly placed bullet provides an instant end to suffering but the other...

I am a licensed Wildlife Control Cooperator and our only connection to DNR is that they are the licensing official. We are not an "extension" of DNR but are regulated by them. DNR refers Maryland residents with problems to us frequently. Many of us practice humane methods of euthanasia when...

Dead Eye - I agree with you one hundred percent about the poison issue. We take in many native species each year who have injested poison and die a horrible death despite all attempts to save them. Raptors who have injested prey which has been poisoned and are then in turn poisoned. Mammals...

Both cattle and horses are destroyed in inhumane ways. The slaughter houses use these methods because they are inexpensive. I have the same issues with their methods. Ignoring cruelty does not make it go away. What have you done to stop it?

I use live traps and relocate to remote areas where residential areas are quite a distance away and there are plenty of natural food sources.

Pest control companies, most refer to themselves as trappers. Commercial trappers are also allowed to use these practices. Your pets and children should be safe provided the person setting the trap follows the regulations and does not set a trap in a public area as often happens. Just to...

I don't "dispose" of the animal. I relocate to a remote area and release.

Thank you for your efforts. My biggest objection is the inhumane means of killing animals such as "blunt force trauma", in other words, beating them to death.

I would agree with you that pet owners should take responsibility for their pets. My cats are indoor cats only and my dogs are only allowed out into our yard which is surrounded by a chain link fence. I do not have children. My biggest objection to the regulations is the "acceptable" method...

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has proposed new regulations governing Wildlife Control Cooperators which will endanger pets as well as children. New regulations would allow Cooperators (pest control) to set body gripping traps including leg hold and conibear traps. The leg hold...

Exactly what statement about the traps do you consider incorrect? The source about the conibear trap is the inventor, do you think you know more than he does? And, for your information, I am very familiar with several trappers and trapping companies and have a good relationship with them...

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has proposed new regulations governing Wildlife Control Cooperators which will endanger pets as well as children. New regulations would allow Cooperators (pest control) to set body gripping traps including leg hold and conibear traps. The leg hold...