Davenport Parks Department remains under investigation after dog’s death

One week after a Davenport woman's dog was killed by an illegally placed trap in a city park, the Davenport Parks Department remains under investigation.

Leah Masterson's corgi, dachshund mix was caught in a kill trap at Credit Island Park on Wednesday, November 12, 2014.

Two days later, the man who placed the trap, who was a seasonal worker for the City of Davenport, told News 8 he didn't know it was illegal to trap in a city park because he had been asked by city officials to trap there in previous years.

On Tuesday, November 18, the city of Davenport released a statement that explained, "Records and emails found no specific authorization for the placement of the trap which killed the pet dog."

The Davenport Parks Department has announced new trapping policies. In the future, permission to trap in a city park will need authorization  from the city's parks director, Scott Hock. In addition, signs will be displayed in parks when there is necessary trapping.

Masterson told News 8 that she is pleased with new policy changes that will be implemented after this recent incident.

"Wrigley gave his life to make that park safe, and I think it's awesome that he was able to change some of the policies to make the park safer," Masterson said.

The Davenport Parks Department did contact Masterson on Tuesday, November 18, offering her help to find a new dog, Masterson said.

Since the incident, Masterson said she called the man who placed the trap after watching his interview with News 8.

"I called him and told him that I saw him on TV, and I accept his apology," Masterson said.

Masterson added that she does not intend to sue the city.

Scott Hock said the Davenport Police will continue to investigate who previously authorized the man to trap in the park.