In the Most Humane City...

San Francisco is ranked number one as the Most Humane City. However, the news of the past couple of weeks concerning the killing of two coyotes in Golden Gate Park has the City in full debate.

I've been following this story, but to be honest, I haven't been sure what to think, which side to support. Would it be the public officials chartered to look after the safety of humans and pets alike in the park? Or the growing voices of the people of San Francisco, who have expressed an avalanche of opposition to the killings?

There were two compelling opinions on this topic:

Jon Carroll defended the killings, citing erratic behavior of the pair of coyotes (their behavior would have been more understandable if cubs were found and if the female was lactating). He talks about coyotes being everywhere, and challenges us to consider whether this issue is something easier for us to latch on to than broader world events (for instance, Darfur).

Jerry George very eloquently builds his case that the killings were unnecessary, that it was clear to anyone who knew coyote behavior that they were giving a warning nip to a 100-pound leashed Rhodesian Ridgeback to protect their den. He cites that pups are born in the Spring, so the female would not be lactating at this point.

Separate news articles tell about a pup being found dead very close to where the adult pair were shot. And humans have been feeding the coyotes for some time, which always results with peril for wildlife as they lose their fear of humans.

So, here's what I take away from all of this. We live in a world where many different species cohabitate, domestic and wild. When I walk with Chocolate off leash in open fields, I know I'm taking a chance that he could become prey to a larger carnivorous animal. While I love him immensely and always consider his safety, I take the chance because his love of running free is so evident. As a friend put it, if he were to die this way, he'd die happy. I wouldn't want to limit the population of wild animals for the convenience of my dog, I'd just want to make sane decisions for everyone's safety and well being. To get past the "shoot first, ask questions later" mentality. It seems the right thing to do in the City named for the patron saint of animals.