Burlington residents can face up to $100K fine for feeding coyotes

The City of Burlington has doubled its fines for residents caught feeding coyotes following seven separate unprovoked coyote attacks on people this year.

Animal Control Officers can now give out tickets of $300, up from $150 before. They can also issue court summons with an increased fine range from $500 to $100,000 – previously $5,000 – for serious offenses and to repeat offenders.

The updated bylaw also allows officers to legally enter onto private property when carrying out inspections related to bylaw investigations.

“Increasing these fine amounts and how Animal Control and Bylaw Officers can act upon them are part of the City’s coyote management recommendations and strategic actions to stop feeding of wildlife, including coyotes,” the city said in a statement Wednesday.

“Feeding coyotes is the main cause of coyote aggression that led to seven unprovoked attacks on people in south-east and south-central Burlington in recent weeks.”

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The city says a property owner is responsible for keeping their lot clean and clear of garbage, food, brush, long grass and wood piles, which are ideal den sites for coyotes or other wild animals that attract coyotes.

Carla Marshall, a spokeswoman for the city, says the three aggressive coyotes responsible for the recent unprovoked attacks were eliminated.

The city is asking residents to continue to be vigilant in these areas and report coyote sightings using the form at burlington.ca/coyotes.

Anyone attacked by a coyote is advised to seek immediate medical attention and report the attack to the Halton Region Health Department and to the City of Burlington Animal Services at animalshelter@burlington.ca or 905-335-3030.