Monroe Animal Control officers went door-to-door warning neighbors of a nearby coyote den after a coyote attack of a Cocker Spaniel on Woodlawn Road ultimately took the dog's life on May 25.
Animal Control Officer Ed Risko said the dog was euthanized due to extensive injuries sustained to its face and throat. In addition to losing her pet, the homeowner shelled out $4,700 in veterinary bills.
The attack was reported at 10 o'clock at night. Risko said he believes the coyote attacked the small dog for territorial reasons. A den area is around three-square-miles, according to Risko, who said the animals are protecting the coyote puppies.
While coyotes kill foxes and small dogs for territorial dominance, Risko said cats are killed for food. A coyote may even attack an infant child left unattended, he added.
Three of the photos of the coyote that had attacked the Cocker Spaniel taken with a motion sensor camera by animal control were shared for this story.
Previous Attacks
Every time there is a coyote attack, Risko says officers go door-to-door letting people know about their neighbor's pet, so they can protect their own.
Literature on coyotes is also given out. If a coyote hangs around your yard, hazing techniques — such as waving your arms and making loud noises to scare them off — are recommended. Animal control also advises people not to leave food, unsecured garbage and other attractants in their yards.
Other tips were shared in the Monroe Patch article "Coyotes Can Prey On Small Pets", which ran last February.
Other recent coyote attacks reported in Monroe include an incident when a coyote chased a stray cat up a tree at Northbrook Condominiums on March 27, and another report on March 12, 2012, in which a Pilgrim Lane woman's small-breed dog was severely injured — costing her over $5,000 in veterinarian fees.
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