February 3^rd, 2010

(Nepean-Carleton) -  The provincial government has finally recognized the public safety concerns of aggressive coyotes in Nepean-Carleton stated MPP Lisa MacLeod.

"It's about time the Ministry acknowledged the concerns of landowners and taxpayers associated with coyotes," said MacLeod.  "I spoke with the new Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey, and she has acknowledged that our concerns of public safety are legitimate and will assist in authorizing trappers to address the public safety concerns."

The Minister has committed to:

1.         Direct an MNR official to map out and target where the coyotes are;

2.         Provide technical advice moving forward;

3.         Authorize trapping if requested by the City

"I am saddened that it took months for the Ministry to take action only after a coyote was spotted in a playground metres away from children playing in Dalton McGuinty's riding," said MacLeod.

MacLeod has scheduled a public meeting on coyotes with officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources. The meeting will take place at the Osgoode Arena on February 18^th at 7:00pm.

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