An Alabama city says its effort to trap coyotes is humane amid criticism from an animal rights group.

Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes tells AL.com the three-week pilot program captured 13 coyotes by Monday morning and the traps used are not lethal. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says initiatives like the city’s are lethal and ineffective.

PETA’s website urges people to email the Vestavia Hills City Council and Mayor Ashley Curry to stop the effort.

Downes says PETA had advised Vestavia Hills to focus on educating residents about preventing coyotes encroaching on property, but increased sightings and complaints meant the city had to take a more aggressive approach.

The program ends this week and its effectiveness will be evaluated to decide whether periodic trappings should be done.

(Image: Pixabay)

(Associated Press, copyright 2018)