New Castle to Create Animal Warden Position

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The ongoing furor in Chappaqua about coyotes -- and the recent decisions by a homeowners association to have traps set in the neighborhood -- have prompted a decision by New Castle officials to create a new town position: Park Ranger/Animal Control Warden.

There were a few reported coyote attacks on dogs this spring in Chappaqua, New Castle town Supervisor Rob Greenstein acknowledged. Two dogs were killed and two others were injured.

"Coyotes are a natural part of our ecosystem," he said in a newsletter. "They are here to stay and we must learn to co-exist with them."

Greenstein pointed out that the Town Board's Coyote Response Plan that recommends a measured, balanced approach to coyote encounters was praised by the Humane Society, which is the nation’s largest animal rights organization.

SEE: Emotions Run High about Coyotes in New Castle

However, the Humane Society was perturbed by the trapping and sent an email to the Town Board.

"... while we did praise your coyote management plan at the time that it was passed in 2015, we are certainly not in support of the coyote trapping currently underway at Random Farms," the Humane Society said in the email, according to a Facebook post by Chappaqua resident Victoria Alzapiedi.

Alzapiedi is asking residents to sign a petition against the USDA trappings.

Under the Town’s Coyote Response Plan, trapping should be a last resort option to deal with an aggressive and dangerous animal, Greenfield acknowledged. "However, such decisions are handled exclusively by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In recent weeks, we’ve gotten a lot of questions about coyote behavior and how residents can protect their pets. Residents are encouraged to read the Town’s Coyote Response Plan and the other information that appears on the Town’s website. http://mynewcastle.org/?s=coyote. The Town is also planning to send a letter to residents with helpful information and suggestions."

Greefield said the board would also move on a recommendation made in the Coyote Response Plan - creating the new position.

"Among other responsibilities, our Park Ranger/Animal Control Warden will serve as a liaison with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which is the state agency responsible for managing and protecting New York’s wild animal populations," he said. "Our Park Ranger/Animal Control Warden also will be a resource for residents with respect to wildlife encounters and questions."

He added, "As we look ahead to enjoying our beautiful parks and open spaces this summer, once again, I encourage residents to take a few moments to review the recommendations in our Coyote Response Plan with respect to prevention and keeping your pets safe."

Free coyote air horns are available in the New Castle Police Department. Questions concerning coyotes in New Castle can be emailed to coyote@mynewcastle.org<mailto:coyote@mynewcastle.org>