L.A. County, Protect Companion Animals and Wildlife: Prosecute Illegal Trapping!

Jimmie Rizzo of Coyote, Wildlife and Pest Solutions Inc. has apparently repeatedly violated California trapping regulations while conducting coyote trapping as part of the vendor’s ongoing contract with the City of Torrance. Rizzo sets snare traps within 150 yards of residents’ homes, which requires him to first obtain permission from all landowners and occupants in that radius. There’s no indication that he has followed this requirement, putting people and their animal companions at risk.

Snare traps like the ones used by Rizzo trap indiscriminately, meaning they can cause injury to humans and can maim or kill dogs and any wildlife crossing their path—including the “intended catch” coyotes, who become entangled in the wire and can strangle to death. If they don’t die from injuries incurred from the snare, he gasses them.

Similar apparent violations by Rizzo in 2022 were never prosecuted by the Torrance City Attorney’s Office, and the statute of limitations eventually expired. Rizzo’s pattern of behavior indicates that he will continue to ignore regulations, putting humans, dogs, and other animals in jeopardy. After receiving evidence from PETA, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife investigated and filed a formal complaint with prosecutors.

Urge the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to uphold the law by prosecuting Rizzo for violations of state trapping rules.

Please send polite comments to:

John Niedermann
[email protected]

Wendy Derzaph
[email protected]

Please feel free to use our sample letter, but remember that using your own words is always more effective.

Regarding Case Number DA #44543049
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently produced a report providing evidence that Jimmie Rizzo of Coyote, Wildlife and Pest Solutions Inc. has apparently violated state trapping regulations while conducting coyote trapping as part of the vendor’s ongoing contract with the City of Torrance. Similar apparent violations by Rizzo in 2022 were never prosecuted by the Torrance City Attorney’s Office, and the statute of limitations eventually expired. The 150-yard rule that he has apparently violated repeatedly is designed to protect residents and their animal companions from being injured or killed by dangerous snares. Rizzo’s pattern of behavior indicates that he will continue to ignore regulations, putting humans, dogs, and other animals in jeopardy. Please uphold the law by prosecuting him for violations of California trapping rules.