In response to a recent nighttime incident with an unleashed dog that resulted in injuries consistent with a coyote attack, the Village of Elm Grove's Public Safety Committee held a meeting that was open to the public to determine how to best respond.

Elm Grove officials unanimously decided to NOT trap or remove coyotes and, instead, will create a program to teach people how to live with them!

The City of Wauwatosa could and should have applied the same approach when determining the fates of the wild coyotes and turkeys in the area.

Here's a recap how the City of Wauwatosa addressed their wildlife concerns compared to the Village of Elm Grove:

City of Wauwatosa (UNACCEPTABLE Response)

1. Unleashed dog suffers injuries consistent with coyote attack and some people report that wild turkeys make them uncomfortable
2. City of Wauwatosa unilaterally decides to trap and kill entire pack of wild coyotes and multiple wild turkeys

Village of Elm Grove (ACCEPTABLE Response)

1. Unleashed dog suffers injuries consistent with coyote attack
2. City officials publicly announce meeting to determine the best response
3. After considering public input, city officials unanimously decide to NOT trap and kill coyotes
4. The City decides to create a program to better teach people how to coexist with wildlife

The City of Wauwatosa must transparently establish an OFFICIAL policy for urban turkey management that includes input from the community.

THE NEEDLESS KILLING OF WILDLIFE CANNOT HAPPEN AGAIN.