Predator control device kills family pet

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a family dog above a residence on Buckskin Road. A man told the sheriff’s office his son was playing with the family dog when a device detonated near them. The device, later identified as a predator control device, was located on a ridge line above their home. The man said the dog was killed and his son had been covered with an unknown substance when the device detonated. The boy was not seriously injured. The rest of his family was evaluated at a local hospital and released. Investigators determined the device was placed there by the Department of Agriculture. It is used for predator control and releases a burst of Cyanide when activated. According to the sheriff’s office, the device is known as a “Cyanide Bomb”. It is an M-44 that is extremely dangerous to both animals and humans. According to the sheriff’s office, an employee from the department of agriculture was at the scene with deputies. The employee told deputies devices were set up back in February, but said they will be now moving the devices. Wildlife Services has removed M-44s in that immediate area. Wildlife Services is completing a thorough review of the circumstances of this incident, and will work to review our operating procedures to determine whether improvements can be made to reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences happening in the future.”
Wildlife Services spokesman Andre Bell said, in a statement, “The unintentional lethal take of a dog is a rare occurrence. Wildlife Services policies and procedures are designed to minimize unintentional take or capture of domestic pets. It posts signs and issues other warnings to alert pet owners when wildlife traps or other devices are being used in an area for wildlife damage management. M-44s are spring-activated devices that release cyanide when they are activated through upward pressure or pulling. These devices are only set at the request of and with permission from property owners or managers. This is the first unintentional take with an M-44 device in Idaho since 2014.” The sheriff’s office advises anyone who sees one of the devices to stay away from it and contact local law enforcement.