Governing Agencies, Wildlife Partners and Community Members:
Coyote Watch Canada is deeply concerned by reports from early January 2026 that four coyotes were deliberately pursued and struck by snowmobiles east of Lanigan, Saskatchewan. Conservation officers have confirmed that the animals were intentionally targeted, with two found alive but suffering severe injuries and subsequently euthanized to prevent further suffering. Chasing down and hitting terrorized coyotes with snowmobiles are acts of disturbing and heinous brutality.
This incident represents a serious violation of legislation and ethical standards governing the treatment of wildlife in Canada. The deliberate use of motorized vehicles to harm animals is not compatible with lawful wildlife management, conservation principles, or responsible land use. Such actions undermine public trust in wildlife governance frameworks and place additional burden on enforcement and conservation agencies.
Coyotes are ecologically significant, socially complex animals. Acts of intentional cruelty and suffering do nothing to address legitimate wildlife management objectives or human–wildlife conflict. Instead, they erode the foundation of evidence-based, humane approaches that jurisdictions across Canada are working to advance.
Coyote Watch Canada supports the Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers in its investigation and encourages accountability through appropriate legal processes. Strong enforcement responses, coupled with clear public messaging, are essential to reinforcing that wildlife cruelty is unacceptable and unlawful.
We further encourage continued collaboration among provincial agencies, conservation officers, Indigenous partners, municipalities, and wildlife organizations to promote ethical standards, public education, and coexistence-based management strategies. Preventing violence toward wildlife requires not only enforcement, but a shared commitment to stewardship, respect, and informed decision-making. Wildlife policies that reflect ethical, progressive, and science-based governance foster clarity and best practice standards and clearly discourages the wanton persecution of species such as coyotes.
Coyote Watch Canada remains available to support partner agencies through education, outreach, and expertise that advance humane, science-based wildlife management across jurisdictions.
Coyote Watch Canada asks that anyone with information related to this incident contact Saskatchewan’s Turn-In-Poachers-and-Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561. Reports may be made anonymously and calls are not recorded or traced. A cash reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of conviction of the individuals involved.
- Coyote Watch Canada -
Photo of a coyote running in the snow not related to this case under investigation.
