ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007

By KELLEY YOUMAN TRUXALL
ThisWeek Staff Writer

Powell residents will now be allowed to hire private animal control companies to rid their neighborhoods of nuisance animals such as coyotes.

City council Tuesday night unanimously passed an ordinance that would amend Powell's animal trapping laws.

Previously, trapping was prohibited on private property and there was no city law allowing homeowners to hire professional pest control companies.

The ordinance allows trapping on private property by "licensed and bonded wildlife removal and control services."

It further states trappers must use "humane methods" and traps that "are not dangerous to the life or limb of animals to be trapped, or any persons who have any possibility of coming into contact with such traps."

The change in city law is an attempt to address residents' concerns over wildlife, particularly coyotes, which many residents say are becoming more brazen and less fearful of humans.

Powell council members held a meeting in July at which residents spoke about coyote sightings during daytime and a June attack on a 30-pound dog on Nathan Drive, in the Ashmoore subdivision.

Removing wild animals considered "nuisances" such as coyotes, will require property owners to hire professional companies.

Homeowners can set traps for vermin such as mice and rats themselves.

Trapping or hunting domesticated animals is still prohibited.

Under the ordinance, companies would also have to comply with state laws governing how animals are disposed of after being trapped; for example under state law coyotes, must be euthanized or released on the same property on which they are trapped, Ohio Division of Wildlife officials said.

Homeowners using such services would be required to notify the police department, and trap locations would be public record.

Earlier this summer, Powell received two proposals from animal control companies for citywide services. Those could cost hundreds of dollars per day for coyote trapping and removal services.

Nuisance Wildlife Management of Delaware would charge a $1,800 annual retainer and $99 for each coyote trapped and removed.

Roush Wildlife Nuisance Trapping of Marysville would cost $435 per day, according to the proposals.

The next council meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2, at the Village Green, 47 Hall St.