House Bill 553 will allow for an increase in the number of coyotes killed in the state of Ohio. The goal of House Bill 553 is to amend sections 1533.02 and 1533.111 of the revised code and to specify that there is no closed season for hunting and trapping coyotes in Ohio and a permit is no longer required to hunt and trap coyotes in Ohio. 

This bill should be opposed and fail as there is no reason to increase the killing of coyotes.  Below I will discuss why increasing the hunting and trapping of them is futile and counter the reasons hunters and trappers use to justify their barbaric job or hobby.

The first reason hunters and trappers give to justify killing coyotes is that their fur is used in the fashion industry.  Evidence does not show that consumer demand for real animal fur is increasing; it infact shows the opposite.  Many popular brands have banned using real fur.  Some of these companies include: Calvin Klein, Chanel, Coach, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Gap Inc., H&M, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, and many more.  Even Canada Goose plans to start using recycled fur and will no longer buy fur from trappers by 2022.  The banning of fur by huge companies such as these shows that real fur is out of style and banning it is not financially detrimental to companies.

Another reason that hunters and trappers use to justify killing coyotes is that these natural predators need to be “managed” because they will kill pets and livestock.  They want us to believe that a peaceful coexistence between human society and animals of prey simply cannot exist and that violent and lethal means are the only solution.  This is simply not true.  Below I will list several things that both farmers and those living in urban areas can do to protect their pets and livestock from coyotes. 

Here is a list of ways to peacefully coexist with coyotes and to keep them out of yards: ensure lids on trash cans are securely closed, don’t leave pet food outside, take trash out the morning that pickup is scheduled, keep compost in secure containers, keep bird seed and fallen fruit off the ground, keep barbecue grills clean, clear away dense weeds and brush near buildings, eliminate accessible water sources and close off crawl spaces around decks and buildings so coyotes cannot build a den in those spaces.

Below is a list of ways to protect livestock.  I will go into detail on some of these points.  

A living fence is a cost effective way to keep coyotes away from livestock.  A dense, wide, thorny hedge should be used.  It’s cheap, long lasting, and has ecological advantages for the livestock and farm.  Types of shrubs to consider are: planted honey locust, osage orange, black locust, hawthorns, and blackthorns.

An electric fence can also be used and be between 4000 and 5000 volts.  This will shock, but not kill or harm the predator.  One shock should be enough to keep them away from the property.

Livestock can also be penned in and brought back from the pasture at night. Livestock can be brought into a barn, coop, or other building with lots of bright lights.  Bright lights will scare off coyotes. 

Livestock protection dogs are another option.  These dogs have been used in the U.S. since the 1970s.  They can be trained to stay near the livestock and ward off predators.  Training of these dogs should start at 8 weeks old.

As you can see from the points made above, increasing the number of coyotes killed is completely unnecessary and cruel.  Fur is outdated and is not making clothing designers money. Many designers have banned the use of real fur.  Also, there are ways for us all to peacefully coexist with coyotes whether you’re a suburban home owner or rural farmer.

Please sign this petition to encourage Ohio lawmakers to protect coyotes and oppose Bill 553.

You can also contact:

Ohio Representative A. Nino Vitale - rep85@ohiohouse.gov