In a most unfortunate incident Port Hope Police responded yesterday evening to a Highland Drive residence after the owner reported her dog was injured by coyotes. The owner reported the golden retriever was in the owner’s fenced back yard and may have wondered through an open rear gate that backs on to a ravine area. At about 4:00pm the owner noticed her dog was not in the back yard and would not respond to its name being called. The owner ventured into the ravine area that is not open to public and part of the low level radiation storage where she noticed coyotes hovering over something on the ground. The owner left to get some help and when she returned she found her dog very badly injured. The dog was taken to a veterinary hospital but the injuries were very serious and the dog had to be euthanized.
Although it is believed the dog wandered off the property, possibly lured to the noise of the coyotes, Police are alerting the public to be aware of this issue. The Ministry of Natural Resources has a link on their web site about coyotes.
http://www.ontario.ca/page/preventing-and-managing-conflicts-coyotes-wolves-and-foxes
Here is what they suggest.
What to do if you encounter a coyote, wolf or fox
If you see a coyote, wolf or fox, keep your distance and the animal will most likely avoid you.
If you encounter an aggressive animal:
•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
How to make your property unwelcome
•use flashing lights, motion sensors and noise makers
•put up two-metre high fence that extends at least 20 centimetres underground
•install a roller system to the top of your fence so animals can’t gain a foothold
How to prevent conflicts with dogs
•keep dogs inside at night
•clean up after your dog — coyotes are attracted to dog feces
•spay and neuter your dogs — coyotes are attracted to, and can mate with, domestic dogs that have not been spayed or neutered
How to protect livestock
•where possible, bring your livestock into barns or sheds at night
•use guard animals, such as donkeys, llamas and dogs
•if livestock has been killed by predators, you may be eligible for compensation through the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program
Lethal action
•as a last resort, a farmer may humanely kill or trap wolves, coyotes or foxes that are damaging or about to damage their property
•if you are using a firearm, you must follow certain regulations and local bylaws
•landowners may also hire an agent to act on your behalf
How to report a wolf or coyote death
If you live in central and northern Ontario, you must report wolves and coyotes killed in protection of property to your local Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry offices.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
