Coyote Roaming Middletown with Leghold Trap on its Foot: DEM Looking for Animal

MIDDLETOWN, RI—A coyote with its foot caught in a leghold trap has been spotted in Middletown, and the state Department of Environmental Management is trying to find the injured animal. According to Gail Mastrati, spokeswoman for DEM, environmental police searched the area in Middletown where the coyote was reported on Tuesday.

They couldn't find the animal, however.

"If able to locate the animal, we will attempt to tranquilize the animal and assess its injuries," she said.

Leghold traps are banned in Massachusetts and allowed in Rhode Island only by permit. Humane societies have lobbied against them because are considered cruel. Some animals die of starvation or dehydration while caught in the trap, and others have chewed off a limb to go free.

DEM is also investigating to determine if this is an illegally set trap, she said and cited the applicable penalty.

Under RI General Law Title 20-16-8, penalties for illegal traps shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or be imprisoned not exceeding one year, or both, and his or her trapping license and privilege to trap shall be revoked for one year from the date of conviction.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call DEM Law Enforcement at 222-3070.