Police in Strathroy are telling pet owners to protect their animals after a small dog was attacked and killed by a coyote.
Strathroy-Caradoc police say a resident of west Strathroy informed them that around 2:30am on Saturday, December 5, they let their dog outside and while they were watching it, a coyote attacked it. The dog was severely injured and later died after being taken to an emergency pet hospital.
Police say, while attacks like this are rare, coyotes are being "observed on a regular basis, mostly in the rural areas."
The Ministry of Natural Resources offers advice on what to do if you encounter a coyote.
It recommends that you;
• never approach or touch a wild animal • do not turn your back or run from a wild animal • back away from the animal while remaining calm • stand tall, wave your hands, and make lots of noise • carry a flashlight at night • if a wild animal poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety — call 911
Police are asking anyone who sees a coyote to report it to the Animal Care Centre at 519-666-1632.
However, if the animal is acting agressively and poses an immediate danger, you are asked to call Strathroy-Caradoc police.
