The Humane Society of the United States Praises the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Investigation into Illegal Wildlife Trade

November 13, 2007

Group Urges Year-Round Ban on the Live Trade of Coyotes

The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for efforts to protect coyotes from being traded in live markets—a practice that often means cruel death sentences for untold thousands of these creatures.

 "The Indiana Department of Natural Resources' commitment to take on a merciless industry that perpetuates a black market in wildlife cruelty is laudable," stated Anne Sterling, Indiana state director for The HSUS. "After these animals are trapped and sold to pens, they are continually harassed and often torn apart by packs of dogs."

The Indiana DNR has said it will consider a rule outlawing live sales of coyotes during a six month coyote trapping season. The HSUS urges the ban to be extended year-round.

In hunting pens, wild-caught animals such as coyotes and raccoons are repeatedly chased by dogs for training or amusement. Many, if not most, of these once free-roaming animals are torn apart by the dogs. 

The Indiana DNR announced that as a result of a multi-state investigation into the illegal sale of live coyotes to hunting pens, one arrest was made. Earl Hunt, of Henry County, was accused of multiple violations, including two felonies for conspiracy to illegally ship wildlife.

Neighboring states including Kentucky and Ohio have asked that the Indiana DNR address the vast number of animals being transported out of Indiana for both humane and disease reasons. Due to lax regulations, Indiana has become a major source for exporting coyotes across state lines for penning operations in other states.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.