Raccoon killed by illegal animal trap in Mississauga park prompts warning from City

The illegal trapping death of a raccoon at a south Mississauga park yesterday afternoon (Sept. 7) has prompted a warning from City officials that people are not to take such measures to deal with nuisance wildlife.

Animal Services officers with the City of Mississauga were called to White Oaks Park, near Lorne Park Secondary School, just before 2:30 p.m. after a woman walking her dog spotted the animal caught in the illegal trap near the tennis courts.

“A patron of the park observed the raccoon stuck in the trap while walking her dog and contacted Animal Services right away,” a City spokesperson said in an email to insauga.com.

“Unfortunately, Animal Services is receiving more reports regarding the illegal trapping of wildlife on a yearly basis,” the spokesperson continued. “Often, residents want to address nuisance wildlife situations, but do not have the information to safely and legally address these situations. Trapping and removal are not viable long-term solutions to addressing nuisance wildlife.”

Instead of taking matters into their own hands, and illegally so, residents are urged to call Animal Services at 905-896-5858 if they are looking for information on dealing with nuisance wildlife, or to report observations of traps.

“They should not try to deal with nuisance wildlife on their own, or try to remove traps that they see,” City officials add.

In addition to being inhumane to wildlife, traps can be dangerous to children and pets as well, the spokesperson noted.

The City says people who ignore bylaws and try to eliminate wildlife using illegal traps are subject to stiff penalties.

“The setting of a trap in a greenspace falls under the Parks Bylaw and individuals who are found to be setting illegal traps in greenspaces in Mississauga can be charged,” Mississauga officials say. “If an animal is caught in an illegal trap, other legislation can be enforced as, at that point, an animal is being treated in an inhumane manner. In this case, individuals who have illegally trapped wildlife can be charged under the City’s Animal Care and Control Bylaw, the Criminal Code of Canada and under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.”

Peel Regional Police enforce the Criminal Code while the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry enforces the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

A trap was found at one of our parks today & a raccoon was killed. Traps like these are illegal & aren't permitted under our Parks by-law. They are inhumane & don't belong in public areas where people & wildlife could get hurt.

See a trap? 📞 Animal Services: 905-896-5858. pic.twitter.com/ObkLHAwjqQ

— City of Mississauga (@citymississauga) September 7, 2022