dispatching a coon

[AHappychick]

the other night I opened my back door to let my older cat inside when I saw a coon eating the rest of the dry food that was out. I yelled at it and threw a big broom at it hitting it in the head (not hard but hard enough that is should have ran away) It could have cared less about me and my cats and I knew it was only a matter of time before it realized there was tastier treats all over my property. Now I have hot wire and I think my coops are secure but don't want to test that theory. So I set my trap.

he is now drowning in my pond, and it weighs heavy on my heart. I really don't feel like I had much of a choice as the closest place to release is over 2 hours away and then I am just dumping the coon to be someone else's problem. So I sss but feel like crap about it. Had there been a chook attack I would have been filled with anger but as this was a pre-emptive strike I just feel like a murderer.

I cant even eat him or feed him to my chooks cause who knows what he has gotten into living around me.

 

[PurpleChicken]

You got another one? Wow.

 

[cottagegarden]

Well, you are a sweetie for thinkin that but facts are you love your chickens and he is just going to eat them.
Even more than you love your chickies you love your lil one and if he's like mine then he has his chickies.
The last thing you want is to have to explain where they went. So just consider it being protective
and then no one but the raccoon is sad. It is just a matter of time, it not like a pred is ever going to coexist peacefully.

 

[Ang]

I think drowning is an awful way to kill an animal. Get yourself a .22 so that you can shoot them. Its quicker and more humane.

 

[AHappychick]

yep PC another one. Sure there are more lurking..... and I know he was stalking out the ducks cause last night before he was in the trap I heard them going bonkers. So much so that I ran out in my pj's and a flashlight. Ruined my new slippers in the process.

its just my gut instinct the second I dropped the cage in was to get it out and save the little bugger. So strong was that desire that I had to force myself to look away and walk away with tears in my eyes.

he is still in the pond, soon I will go get his body out. I know now that he must be gone.

Gonna feel like crap all day today.

 

[AHappychick]

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I cant I have plenty of guns but if I shoot one around here I will be in jail. and a bb gun is not stong enough and would be more cruel.

 

[PurpleChicken]

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She lives in Metro New York. Shooting a gun in her back yard could mean jail time. Not a good idea. Not everyone lives in the country.

 

[PurpleChicken]

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I'd feel sad too. It's ok.

Come over and dispatch the turkeys and I'll handle your coons.

 

[AHappychick]

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I'd feel sad too. It's ok.

Come over and dispatch the turkeys and I'll handle your coons.

oh please they are so big now they might dispatch me!!!

 

[CoopCrazy]

Sorry you feel so bad .. I would too if/ when I have/had to.. But its part of taking responsibility for your livestock .. I will be taking care of many feral dogs over the next few weeks as the neighbors seem to think its OK to take home stray dogs not have them vet checked , nor spayed and just let them reproduce rapidly... I have talked to them about proper animal care and also explained that any animla coming after my livestock will be taken care of... Permenatly..... Its toufgh to do but worth it as well.