I do not believe that LC is a troll. He has contributed to other discussions on the forum and is very informative in them. I just think he either will not or can not see anyone else's side. (Maybe that is just the lawyer in him
)
If your dog is just harmlessly in someone else's field, he does not belong there. And I have seen a German Shepard mistaken for a coyote and shot. That German Shepard was also stalking a cow/calf pair. When my Shepard is off the leash, she stays with me. If she takes off, I actively look for her. I understand she looks very much like a coyote from the back side (lots of gray and brownish yellow in her hair).
But I wonder, if we switched the coyote with a Raccoon, or even a skunk, would LC feel the same way? What about a rat, a hog or an opossum? All of these animals carry diseases and vermin I do not want near my livestock and they are known to travel miles to food sources.
I like animals, I think coyotes and wolves are beautiful and I have seen a few very nice looking raccoons and skunks. But I do not let my opinion of them get in the way of doing what I know needs to be done.
I applaud the guys who can get out there and wait for the coyotes (and the wild hogs!).