It is for these exact reasons that I normally don't intervene. I have mentally struggled with this, but then I reasoned that I buy and put bird-seed out for other birds...so how is this any different?
I completely agree about not leaving food out for or feeding coyotes, bears or cougars. That is just inviting trouble. We have a large coyote population and they are wild pack creatures who hunt with intelligence in groups. Absolutely, they should not be encouraged to come to congregate in populated areas. No good ever comes from this. Ever. (Sorry it took me 4 days to respond to this, fantastic comment.) ;)