Mansfield family responds to government’s denied liability after son is sprayed by cyanide trap

A local family is responding to a statement by the federal government blaming them for a cyanide canister blowing up in their dog’s face and injuring their son.

The device is used to control the coyote population and was set by a Department of Agriculture.

It has been over a year since Canyon Mansfield and his dog Casey were poisoned by that M-44 device.

After a grueling litigation process, the U.S. government says the Mansfield family is responsible for the injuries to Canyon, their son, as well as the death of their family dog, Casey.

The trap was set just over 300 feet from their home outside of Pocatello in an area that is bordered by another piece of private property as well as BLM land.

The agency which installed the device says prior authorization was needed to put this trap in the area, but that didn’t happen.

“Every parent wants their child to go outside their house, walk their dog, throw the ball, without having to feel like they’re in danger,” said Theresa Mansfield, Canyon’s mom.

“There were no signs anywhere, and nobody in the neighborhood was informed,” said Canyon.

Our reporters spoke to the private property landowner as well as the BLM, and nobody gave an authorized consent for this cyanide device to be installed.

“I find it crazy how the state of Idaho fined the wildlife services $6,000 with negligence in our case, but the U.S. government is saying that it’s our fault,” said Theresa.

You can read our previous story HERE.