Westchester Coyote Attack Brings Warnings For Local Pet Owners

After learning about a coyote’s fatal attack on a small dog in Westchester County, Clarkstown Animal Control Office Patricia Coleman said it was a sad but important warning for pet owners to think about their dogs and cats’ safety. Coleman said people need to take precautions when taking their pets out at night or early in the morning. 

Early Friday morning a homeowner in Mount Kisco discovered three coyotes in her yard shortly after she let out her three dogs. Two of the coyotes fled but the third coyote grabbed her dog Roxy by the neck. Her husband’s yelling led the coyote to drop it but it was too late to save the three-year-old rescue dog. The coyotes were able to gain access to the yard because it was only partially fenced with a stone wall.

Coleman recalled March’s suspected coyote attack on a small Chihuahua in West Nyack. That dog suffered serious injuries but survived.

Recently, there have been reports of coyote sightings near Nyack High School, Clarkstown North High School and the Camelot residential development in New City. Some of those sightings were of a three-legged coyote nicknamed Tripod who has been seen around Clarkstown for more than a year. Coleman said most likely there are other coyotes around.

“We know there is more than Tripod,” she said.

Coleman urged people to be alert even when they are in their own yards with their pets. Invisible fences do not prevent predatory animals from entering their property.

Coleman advised pet owners to keep their dogs on a six-foot leash. She is not a fan of retractable leashes, which allow pets to move a large distance away. Coleman said a six-foot leash gives the pet owner control to pull dog close to them for protection in case they encounter a loose dog or wild animal. She warned that hawks can also be a danger to small animals that they can swoop in and grab.

“You just have to pay attention,” Coleman said.