It really seems illegal to trap/'dispatch' any predator (update)

[jmc]

I am obviously NOT intending to say that those who take care of predators here on byc are lawbreakers.

I have yet to have a predator issue, but i want to be ready. i just got three live traps a couple weeks ago, and it really seems that legally i can't use them, much less knock off the eventual predator i ever do catch.

 

[tash]

Quote:
Legal Elimination of Hawks and Owls: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=113482

of course nets over the run help too

 

[michickenwrangler]

With the exception of endangered species, most states have a livelihood clause where you are allowed to shoot predators that harrass, damage or kill your livelihood (ie livestock). In Michigan, Eastern Timberwolves and Bald Eagles cannot be killed legally even if they are killing your birds and/or other livestock. MI law applies to things like coyotes, badgers, weasels, opossums, etc...

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
I was chatting with an ADC trapper up your way he was telling me that homeowners with damage complaints were the only exception for trapping that trappers have a really hard time of trapping with all the laws governing traps. he explained to me that homeowners did not have the same laws to go by as did the trappers you may want to call your DNR or fish and game and ask for a ruling as to what you can and cannot do. for me in Va.the regs are different if I am fur trapping or if I am responding to a damage complaint I do both the rules are very different for each

 

[theFox]

As Rufus has already said too much guvment, not enough common sense.

JMC, now you have an idea what you need to look for.

tash,

That link is fine and dandy however to even get such a permit in this state you have to have a state permit to disturb wildlife before you would be allowed one by the feds as disturbing wildlife without a license to hunt or trap out of season requires a permit (there is no season on most of those animals). You have to show that you tried harassment as a means of solving the problem before you'll get a federal ticket to take.




Such are the ways of convoluted minds.

 

[jmc]

i'm not gonna find too much common sense with modern gov't.

in my mind, our ducks are protected species, and action may be taken against something trying to 'off' them.

 

[old geezer]

....when no one is looking---shoot the sob ..chickens are pets also--- and have to be protected
Quote:

 

[HarlansHollowFarms]

I guess we are lucky in MT.
I legally have the right to shoot any preditor (except eagles, hawks) that endangers my livestock, and yes, chickens are concidered livestock here. This year alone, our Fish & Wildlife have relocated severals bears and dispatched several repeat offenders for getting in to peoples chicken coops. There have also been several people report that they have dispatched wolves who were threating livestock.

 

[jmc]

so i found that it is legal to protect (lethally) our livestock in MA

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 131, Section 37, gives property owners the right to use lawful means to destroy wildlife in the act of causing damage or threatening personal safety. Landowners may only deal with wildlife actually causing damage or posing immediate threats. No one may randomly destroy wildlife as a preventive measure. It is illegal for a property owner to live-trap a problem animal and move it for release to public or private property.

and this, the section cited above, makes it explicit that the landowner/immediate family member......may take destructive predators even outside the 'normal' season.............certain others may be directed to post traps or hunt outside the 'normal season' ONLY if the landowner has previously received a permit authorizing him to do so..........

Section 37. An owner or tenant of land or, if authorized by such owner or tenant, any member of his immediate family or his employee, as defined pursuant to section one of chapter sixty-two B, may, upon such land:—

(1) kill or attempt to kill, by means other than poisoning or trapping, any wild bird damaging his property, including domesticated animals, poultry and game on game-rearing farms or preserves, provided that such killing is not contrary to any federal law, rule or regulation.

(2) hunt or take by other means, except by poison or snare, any mammal which he finds damaging his property except grass growing on uncultivated land. No such owner or tenant shall authorize any person, other than a member of his immediate family or a person permanently employed by him, to place traps for the protection of said property other than during the open season, unless such owner or tenant has first obtained from the director a permit authorizing him so to do, which permit the director is hereby authorized to issue in his discretion, unless such authorized person holds a trapping license. All deer so killed shall be turned over to any environmental police officer and shall be disposed of by the director of law enforcement.

The following written reports shall be sent to the director by such owner or tenant acting under authority of this section:—(a) upon the taking of pheasant, ruffed grouse, hares or rabbits, or the wounding or killing of a deer, a report stating the time and place, kind and number of birds or mammals so taken, wounded or killed, within twenty-four hours of such taking, wounding or killing; (b) upon the taking of any other birds or mammals, a report on or before January thirty-first of each year, stating the number and kinds of birds or mammals taken under authority of this section during the previous year. This section shall not be construed to limit any other provisions of this chapter.



at least for me, case closed

 

[CariLynn]

First, I am appalled that someone could so heartlessly drown an animal in a trap!! Would you do that to one of your beloved chickens? Do you KNOW how long it takes and how painful it is for an animal to drown to death? I understand about keeping your animals safe, we recently shot a young fox and it was quick and fast, as it should be.

Second, teach your kids about death and dying....my children grew up on a farm and are aware of the circle of life. I don't sugar coat things, I am factual and all my kids are very compassionate to a life, be it human or animal. My son is the most compassionate young man how, he was upset when we put out poison for rodents and found a dying mouse in my harness shed.

When you let your chickens free roam, your inviting and asking for trouble. It is part of living in the rural setting and I myself am very aware of what is around me and take precautions to ensure my small flock of 11 are as protected as I can in where I live. They have a 100ft pen to come out and stretch their legs, they can run back into their coop anytime they wish, the coop and smaller area that is around the coop has a chicken wire "roof" so to add some added protection for them. They are our property yes, but our responsibility to protect them and not go around drowning, shooting, and doing whatever else because we "can" and feel we have to. Do so with some thought and responsibility.

I also know, animal control gets tired of dealing with rude and demanding people. Try some patience and understanding, your not the only one who calls them, so try manners and tact....