Hamburg removes "unauthorized" animal traps after dogs are hurt

Who would put animal leg-hold traps in popular recreation areas in Hamburg?  That was the question angry residents and animal advocates raised after two dogs were injured when they were caught in traps located near the Town of Hamburg golf course and Taylor Road Park (Taylor Road Family Recreations Facility) in mid-February.

At first, town officials were not sure and police were involved.

However, it turned out that employees at the town golf course took it upon themselves to hire a DEC licensed animal trapper to help deal with nuisance animals like coyotes.

According to Hamburg Recreation Director Martin Denecke, those involved did not seek the proper authorization from a department head, the Hamburg Town Board or Denecke himself.

The town quickly removed all the traps and is reassuring residents that there is no risk to people who use the park areas.

Even though the traps are removed, the issue remains.  Both Hamburg Supervisor James Shaw and Highway Superintendent Ted Casey tell reporter Ed Reilly that more discussions will be held to determine how serious the nuisance animal problem is and the best way to deal with it.