Police issue warning after illegal snare traps found in Mississauga

Peel police have issued a warning after several illegal animal traps were found near Hewick Meadows Park in Mississauga.

The eleven traps made of spring snares and thin wire were found near the corner of Highway 403 and Mississauga Road between Mar. 27 and Mar. 30.

"The wire snares are illegal to set, and pose a danger to both children and adults, as well as domestic animals and wildlife," a release sent out Monday by Peel Regional Police reads.

So far nobodyhas been injured, butMississauga Animal Services told CBCTorontothey found an injured coyote in the parkon Wednesday along with a snare trap. Two days later an area resident found a dead coyote. In an email, the group saidthey have been conducting "proactive patrols and routine inspections" in the park since the discoveries.

'I have not seen a case like this before'

Peel police have also sent out officers to comb the area,Const.Harinder Sohisaid.

"I myself have been with Peel Regional Police for close to 15 years and I have not seen a case like this before, so this is something new for us," Sohi told CBC Toronto on Monday.

Bill Grubichas lived in the area for more than30 years, and his wife and daughter go for walks in the park often.

"I think it's terrible because there's a lot of kids and a lot of people walking here, you don't want anybody to get their foot caught on something like that," Grubicsaid.

Anyone with information about the traps is being asked to contact police.