Amherst officials responded to public outcry when they announced Monday night that the controversial trapping of beavers will come to a stop.
Animal Allies of Western New York had voiced opposition to word that beavers in Ellicott Creek near the Amherst Bike Path were trapped because they are damaging trees. The traps are not designed to kill, but the beavers end up drowning because the traps are set up outside their dens.
The group protested at Monday's Amherst Town Board meeting prior to officials announcing they would end the controversial practice.
"The number one concern I have is addressing the actual culture of killing that we have in this society," said Morgan Dunbar, director of Animal Allies.
"Our first impulse is immediately to eradicate and kill, not looking at these animals as our friends and our allies."
According to the Buffalo News, town officials have agreed to work with animal rights' groups to find an alternative method of dealing with the beavers.
