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LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A Lakewood woman said the laws need to be changed after her condominium has been trapping and killing squirrels.
"I don't think this is a humane way to deal with this at all," Klaudia Sekulska said.
The traps are placed on the roof outside her window.
She said someone in the building complained the squirrels were getting into the attic, and a local pest control company was called.
"There are different ways to go about it. You don't have to let an animal freeze to death overnight and then put it in a black garbage bag. That's not dignified for anyone," she said.
Colorado law allows pest control companies to operate under the same rules as homeowners. It's legal to trap and, in some cases, poison squirrels that are damaging property.
Sekulska said the laws should change.
"It's a permit to kill, and that's what's happening here. We're proud of our animals and our wildlife, and it was National Squirrel Day yesterday," Sekulska said.
Sekulska brought her concerns to animal control, property managers and her HOA.
She said they haven't done enough to patch the holes in the roof or bring in proper trash bins before resorting to killing the animals.
Denver7 reached out to the HOA for comment but did not hear back.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends removing pet food and trash that may be attracting squirrels, create barriers, and use ammonia as a deterrent.
If you believe any animal is being abused or is being treated inhumanely, you can file a complaint with Colorado Parks and Wildlife or your local animal control.
