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Sent: Tue 7/21/2009 5:39 AM To: Shores, Jerry; Alderson, Leroy Subject: coyotes/fox pen Good Morning, Thought I would just drop you a note, bringing you up to date concerning the wildlife pen adjacent to my property. They are now running the dogs all night. Due to the loud consistant barking, my daughter contacted the sheriff's dept a few days ago and was told to call back every night for a week and they would do something about it. I called tonight (3:30am) to report the dogs and the officer was very polite but said to contact you. So, between the two of you maybe something will get done. ------ REPLY ------ From: Shores, Jerry Sent: Wed, Jul 22, 2009 7:06 am Subject: RE: coyotes/fox pen The issue of dogs barking is not an issue or a violation of the permit issued for the fox pen. The noise complaint is a county issue. And I don't know how the area is zoned. The pen has been permitted by FWC and it appears that they are hunting within the requirements of the permit and FWC rules. There is the issue with coyotes in the pen. I have talked to Mike Howington and he has stated that he is having trouble keeping them out of the pen due to the amount of food being put out for the foxes. He assured me that he is working to keep them out and the foxes in. Investigator Jerry Shores Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2009 12:02 PM Mr. Shores, I believe you have completely missed the point that is being made here. The noise is a side effect of the cruel and unusual behavior that is occurring on the property adjacent to our family that is on display at all hours of the evening for days on end. According to the rules of the permit, “Private fox areas holding coyotes must be surrounded by a fence at least eight feet high or a fence six feet high with a two foot, 45 degree inward angle overhang. All fencing, including the inward angle overhang, shall be constructed of 11½ gauge chain link or equivalent strength material.” Can you explain to us the purpose of the fence? In our opinion, the purpose of the fence is to keep the foxes and dogs on the private property to prevent escape. Correct? If that is the case, can you explain how coyotes are getting on to the property? You stated, “I have talked to Mike Howington and he has stated that he is having trouble keeping them out of the pen due to the amount of food being put out for the foxes. He assured me that he is working to keep them out and the foxes in.” So, are they digging holes to get into the property? If so, isn’t that a violation of the permit that the fence is not preventing the escape of the foxes or dogs? Are they jumping the “six feet high with a two foot, 45 degree inward angle overhang” fence? I’ve come up with another theory. Maybe they ordered a catapult system from ACME in hopes of finding a roadrunner on the property. What do you think? I hate to be facetious, but, it does not appear that FWC is willing to hear our complaints. We have documented several coyotes on the property that have returned, coincidently, at the same time the hunters (excuse me, “sportsmen”) returned to chase the foxes. We have provided ample pictures of the coyotes to you and your office and have video as well. However, upon your recent inspection, you claim there is no sign of coyotes on the property. We have also observed the dogs chasing the coyotes. Isn’t this in violation of their license? Other requirements of the permit area are as follows: “… a legal description of the property and the total number of acres enclosed by a fence. Applicants must also include a map depicting all fencing boundaries, escape areas, and food/watering areas.” “Prior to release into private fox areas, all foxes and coyotes shall be tagged, tattooed or otherwise permanently marked with the name and address of the private fox area, and an identification number. The number shall be entered into the records kept by the permittee. No foxes or coyotes shall be possessed without permanent identification with the specified information.” “Permittees shall maintain accurate records showing the source, date of acquisition, and date of disposition for all foxes and/or coyotes by ear tag, tattoo numbers or other permanent identification number. Information kept shall also include veterinary care/inoculation records and the date of mortality.” Can you please provide me with the procedure to get this information via a public records request? Here’s what I would like to see happen. First, we would like to have all the public records associated with this pen (fox / coyote records, escape locations, property owner / lease information, permit on file, inspection records, etc). Following this, we would like to receive the same public records for ALL pen locations throughout the state of Florida. The “sport” of wildlife penning is no different than dog fighting. FWC cannot assure us (the taxpayer) that unmarked coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc are not being mauled and killed by the hunter’s dogs. Since this activity cannot be properly managed by your department, I strongly believe the practice should be abolished entirely. On top of that, I am AMAZED that the permit is “a no-cost permit”. Are you SERIOUS???? So, I, the taxpayer, have to pay you, FWC, to go out on a routine basis and conduct inspections for such a horrendous activity? What is the annual budget to maintain these pens with zero revenue income? Mr. Shores, I will provide you the courteousy of waiting for your response by 5pm, Monday, August 3rd, before proceeding to Phase 2 … ------ REPLY ------ FROM: LEROY ALDERSON SENT: Monday, July 27, 2009 10:12 AM The below email contains several components, a complaint and public records request, which are outside Investigator Shores’ normal duties. I will assume the responsibility of answering your correspondence or forwarding it to the appropriate section for response. It will be easier for all concerned if you will direct any future correspondence to me (contact information below). Some of the information you are requesting (public records) is kept in our Captive Wildlife Section located in Tallahassee. Captain John West (850-488-6253) will oversee that portion of your request. He may contact you for clarification on the request, but we will endeavor to get the information to you. Some items in your request are not kept by us (FWC), but are maintained on the premises of the permitted facility or by the owner (i.e. acquisition records, veterinarian documents, tattoo or marking records). These records are subject to inspection by FWC law enforcement officers to ensure compliance with existing law. We do not have the authority to grant you access to records maintained and held by a permit holder. Our inspection document(s) will note any discrepancies, if there are any, and you will be granted access and copies. Your question regarding the fencing requirement is valid and you answered it correctly. I don’t see a need for further discussion on the necessity of fencing. We are currently investigating this pen to verify the existence of coyotes. If you have documentation (pictures or video that can be verified as authentic, which is a legal requirement for use as evidence) we would very much like to see it. Please let me know and I’ll make arrangements to meet with you and examine it. The rest of your email conveys your personal opinion regarding “wildlife penning” or what FWC refers to as a permitted activity (Fox Pen). We completely understand your position and respectfully disagree. If a fox pen is constructed and operated as authorized within FWC rules there is no more of a “cruel element” than is found in any part of the natural world. I look forward to hearing from you as we try to reach a mutually satisfying resolution to your concerns. Captain Leroy Alderson Northwest Region Investigations Supervisor 850-236-3080, ext 201 Leroy.alderson@myfwc.com |