Don and Pat Wilsterman of Arcadia were shocked to discover evidence of coyotes on their Naomi Ave property. Coyotes and other wild animals are not unusual in foothill areas.
After a two-year suspension, the Arcadia City Council will reinstate a coyote trapping program, after residents complained that the animals are attacking pets and showing aggressive behavior. The city has contracted with Animal Pest Management of Chino, California, to trap coyotes and euthanize them.
Arcadia has re-instated a coyote-trapping program which catches then euthanizes coyotes. The issue is being debated locally as some people want to co-exist with the animals and some feel the killing of the coyotes is inhumane, but others are terrified of coyote attacks on their pets and, possibly, their children.
A petition signed by over 1000 Arcadia residents urges the City of Arcadia to "stop killing coyotes." The City has hired Chino-based Animal Pest Management to trap coyotes. Since August, the City has spent $12,500 to trap 20 coyotes, that are later euthanized. City Council will re-examine the controversial coyote trapping program that was reinstated last year after residents said their pets were attacked.
Less than 6 months after reinstating it, Arcadia City Council voted unanimously to suspend the trapping and killing of coyotes in residential neighborhoods. The program, which has caught 20 coyotes since August, drew constant fire from residents and animal rights activists. Arcadia city councilman Bob Harbicht says the program was successful. The combination of educational programs and trapping has resulted in the trapping of fewer coyotes and fewer complaints at City Hall. The city spent $15,000 to conduct the trapping program, carried out by Chino-based Animal Pest Management Services, from August 2010 through January 2011. The city will suspend trapping and monitor the situation.
Pest control in Arcadia by Chino-based Animal Pest Management Services Inc., allegedly killed coyotes with sodium pentothal, a controlled substance. It is being investigated.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) blasts Arcadia plan to kill coyotes. Company hired to catch coyotes would charge $2500 for each area it has traps.
Cities of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments assess plan for coyote population management. Those involved in a regional management effort must decide on renewal by November. The council anticipates the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, Covina, Irwindale, Montebello, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino and Temple City, will continue with the program. In 2018-2019, Arcadia received 300 calls or emails regarding coyotes in neighborhoods. By 2019-2020 that number dropped to 120. In 2017, animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sued for trapping and killing coyotes. In response, Arcadia developed its own coyote management plan focused on non-lethal alternatives.
Arcadia rescinds decision to trap and kill coyotes. The reason for backing off of the previous decision to euthanize coyotes was to avoid current and potential litigation.
City okays $15,000 contract for coyote trapping, euthanization with Animal Pest Management Services. The City Council vote was 4 to 1 to approve the contract.
Evidence of coyotes was found in the first block of Naomi Ave. south of Duarte Rd. at the home of Don and Pat Wilsterman. The remains of their cat were scattered on the front lawn.
Santa Anita-based 'Free Animal Doctor' continues to help pet owners with needed services. Now entering its second year, Free Animal Doctor, a non-profit provides free veterinary services to dogs and cats, and is located in Santa Anita Park's parking lot 7. It opened on September 15, 2020. Free Animal Doctor utilizes Crowdfunding to raise monies for specific pets. Co-founder is Sam Bernardo. Spaying and neutering are available. See freeanimaldoctor.org or call 626-487-7129 for more information.
Fish and Game officials met in Arcadia with members of area police to discuss dealing with increasingly visible wild animals, especially bears, who amble into cities bordering Angeles National Forest. Wildfires may drive animals from the mountains.
Coyotes are becoming a problem in Arcadia. The City of Arcadia is working to combat the problem, allocating $15,000 and providing whistles and education.
Arcadia tackles coyote issues at February 7 City Council meeting, deciding to trap and kill them. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) wrote a letter to Mayor Tom Beck with a plea to not trap and kill but to use deterrents instead.