Arlington Police Department is investigating several incidents involving the use of illegal animal traps. (Photo Courtesy Arlington Police Department) 
Left to right: Arlington Police Department Sergeant Stephen Porciello, Officer Chad Brown, Lexington Police Department Officer Jared O’Brien, Environmental Police Officer Dwayne Taylor, James Stubbs and Jane Newhouse from Newhouse Wildlife Rescue. (Photo Courtesy Arlington Police Department) 
The use of leg hold traps has been banned in the State of Massachusetts since 1975. (Photo Courtesy Arlington Police Department)
ARLINGTON — Chief Julie Flaherty shares that the Arlington Police Department, in coordination with Massachusetts Environmental Police is investigating multiple reports of the use of illegal animal traps.
During the week of Sept. 15, Arlington Police learned that a fox with one of its front legs caught in a leg hold trap was spotted in the area of Avola and Udine streets.
Arlington Police immediately contacted the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and state Environmental Police. Arlington Police opened an investigation to locate the injured animal and to identify those responsible for setting the trap.
The use of leg hold traps has been banned in Massachusetts since 1975.
On Thursday, Sept. 21, Arlington Police received a second report about the same injured fox. Arlington Police have received no new information about this animal.
On Saturday, Sept. 30, Arlington officers were called to the area of Hibbert Street for the report of a different fox with a metal leg hold trap caught on its left front paw.
The fox entered an open garage and Officers were able to barricade the animal inside the garage with assistance from state Environmental Police and Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford.
The fox was captured safely and transported to Newhouse Wildlife Rescue, where the animal’s leg was amputated. The fox is now recovering.
On Monday, Oct. 2 Animal Control Officer Courtney Wilson and Officer Michael Foley were dispatched to the area of Tower Road for a report of a sick animal. On scene, first responders were able to locate a sick fox that was lying on grass nearby and were able to net and crate the fox safely.
The fox was transported to Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford. Unfortunately, later that evening, the fox died after all efforts were made to save its life.
Anyone who may have information about the injured fox or the use of illegal animal traps in the area is asked to call the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212.
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