Reauthorized the use of indiscriminate M-44 cyanide traps to kill predatory animals; rapidly backpedaled following public outcry.
Despite 99% of public comments urging they be banned, the Trump administration announced in August 2019 that it would reauthorize the use of M-44 cyanide traps in predatory-wildlife control. Also known as a cyanide gun or ‘cyanide bomb’, the M-44 is a spring-loaded trap, that upon being pulled or tampered with, ejects a lethal dose of cyanide powder into the mouth of the investigating animal.
Created to kill coyotes, feral dogs, and foxes, the traps have been known to inadvertently kill pets and livestock, and in 2017 even managed to injure a 14-year-old boy when his dog and him triggered a trap, hospitalizing the boy and killing his dog.
Status
Aug. 6th, 2019 BAN LIFTED
The Trump administrations EPA lifts the ban on M-44 cyanide traps by government agencies.
Aug. 15th, 2019 BAN REINSTATED
Following public outrage, the administration backpedaled its re-authorization and banned government agencies from using the devices.
Notables
- The poison-filled traps have killed dozens of family pets and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of other non-target animals.
US-placed cyanide device ignites, and a Pocatello family is changed forever | Idaho Statesmen (9.15.18)
- A dozen people have even been injured by the devices, including one potential human death.
EPA Backtracks on Use of ‘Cyanide Bombs’ to Kill Wild Animals | New York Times (8.16.19)
Image credit: Centers for Biological Diversity