Burlington animal control issues warning after coyote attacks dog

Jenn and David Reid’s little spaniel Holly is lucky – it managed to survive a violent coyote attack in the family's own backyard in Burlington, Ont. late last month.

Now city animal control is issuing warnings and watching for coyotes in efforts to keep pets and people safe.

The attack was caught on camera, and it likely saved the dog’s life. Jenn saw it happen on their security system video monitor and ran outside to help.

“I was scared, I didn't have time to think,” she said. “I saw it on the screen and ran out the door for my dog to try and make it stop.”

After emergency surgery for some deep puncture wounds, the dog survived – but another area pet wasn't as lucky. It was killed by a coyote in the exact same neighbourhood, prompting Burlington Animal Services to warn the public about the dangers of coyotes roaming the area.

Animal services says increased development has forced wildlife like coyotes to become bolder. “People are inadvertently – or on purpose – feeding wildlife,” said official Tracey Burrows.

The City of Burlington is monitoring places like Paletta Park for coyotes. They even have an app where people can report coyote sightings to help them track the animals.

What to do if you come face to face with a coyote

People who work near the park have seen coyotes, and city officials have confirmed there was a den here.

The city is also considering passing a new bylaw to ban people from feeding wildlife.

You can pick up your backpack or a rock and then throw it, but not really hard because then it will get hurt.- Isla Ertel, student

At nearby Sunningdale Public School in Oakvilke, officials have been teaching students what to do in case they come face to face with a coyote. The school backs onto a wooded area, a natural place for coyotes to roam.

An assembly on coyote safety was needed, says principal Loui Silvestri. “There was one sighting that I made myself coming in from a meeting, and we just called an indoor recess at that time,” he said.

Students have also been taught what to do if they see a coyote. “You can pick up your backpack or a rock and then throw it, but not really hard because then it will get hurt,” said student Isla Ertel.