WHEREAS the Coyote Bounty alleviated much of the problem with coyote predation;

WHEREAS the growing coyote population continues to be a hazard to livestock, invading farm yards and urban centers eating fruit from trees and scavenging through garbage endangering the public; and

WHEREAS the Coyote Control Program implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, November 2009 to March 31, 2010, resulted in reduction of the coyote population;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Provincial Government to re-implement the Coyote Control Program.

Response from Honourable Bob Bjornerud, Minister of Agriculture:

On March 11, 2010, I made an announcement that will assist producers dealing with livestock predation. Beginning on April 1, 2010, the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) began providing compensation for livestock killed or injured by predators. Compensation is available to all livestock and poultry producers and there are no premiums. Under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, producers receive 100 per cent compensation for animals confirmed killed, and up to 80 per cent of the market value of animals that have been injured and require veterinary service. Producers of all livestock in this province have called for a predation compensation program for some time, and I am very pleased to be able to respond to that request. 

I also announced that SCIC would take over administration of the Saskatchewan Livestock Predation Program. I recognize the importance of removing predator animals and the value of discussing prevention and management techniques directly with producers. The network of Customer Service Offices across the province allows SCIC to provide timely, efficient and co-ordinated responses to predation issues. There are clear synergies in linking predation control with compensation, and I believe SCIC will be an effective delivery agent.

Predation management must also focus on prevention. To that end, the Ministry of Agriculture has made changes to the Environmental Farm Planning (EFP) Program to provide financial assistance to sheep and goat producers for fencing that will protect their animals from predators. The EFP Program is delivered by the Provincial Council of Agriculture Development and Diversification Boards for Saskatchewan Inc.

It is my hope these measures will reduce the incidence of livestock predation across Saskatchewan. As such, there are no plans to reinstate the SCCP at this time.