For over a year, we have had to witness these events firsthand. Originally, there were 30 coyotes present on a 150-acre tract just west of downtown Holt. Personally, we have seen up to 15 coyotes at one time. Hunters were dropping their dogs off at the site, usually unattended, at all hours of the day and night. The dogs continually chased and hunted the coyotes non-stop. On a recent occassion, we watched as a pack of several dogs maim and appear to kill a coyote. Unfortunately, we were only able to get a few pictures of the incident (look at the pictures page for more details).

Since our original complaints were made, the pen stopped operating for a brief few months. However, it soon re-opened as a "fox pen". We continue to see coyotes on the property and have yet to see any foxes. As before, as soon as the dogs arrive, the incessant barking and howling begins. We can see the coyotes scrambling throughout the property trying to find a safe place to hide. This can last for several hours or even days at a time.

To stop this from continuing, we first confronted the hunters directly. They ignored our pleas and those of our 4, 5 and 9-year old children. We have since contacted the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) who was actively pursuing an investigation. Then pen operator has been given a 30-day pass to continue running dogs on the coyotes until the coyotes have to be removed. In the meantime, we have contacted the landowner (to no avail) and have begun to make contact with our State legislature and local media.

UPDATE: The pen operator has since reliquished the permit to FWC and the pen is, for the time being, non-operational. Since there is a moratorium in place for new fox pen permits, the pen should remain closed indefinitely. However, if the moratorium is lifted, the pen could return to operation once the coyotes have been removed. To prevent this from occuring not only here but in other backyards, we are fighting to have fox pens prohibited throughout the state. We know this is going to be an uphill battle, but we feel it is worth the fight!

We'll provide links to local community leaders and State legislature and display pictures of fox pen activities. Our aim is to provide awareness to this gruesome "sport" and to rally local support for stopping it, not only in our community, but across the state! Please check back with us as we grow this site and SHUT THESE PENS DOWN!