Crime & Safety

Police Warn Residents About the Dangers of Coyotes

Dogs should never be left unsupervised outdoors, according to Rocky Hill Animal Control.

 

The Rocky Hill Animal Control officers are warning residents not to leave their dogs unattended outside because of the possibility of coyotes or other wild animals attacking them.

“I would keep an eye on them for their own protection,” said Animal Control Officer Thomas Phelps.

Find out what's happening in Rocky Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

About a month ago, a family living off Route 3 watched as their small dog was taken away and eaten by coyotes. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is currently investigating the incident along with Rocky Hill Animal Control.

Dog owners should never allow their pets to run free and they should always be kept on a leash while outdoors, Phelps said. The DEEP also suggested leaving cats inside at night.

Find out what's happening in Rocky Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Phelps suggested that small dogs such as terriers should never be left unattended outside because of the possibility that it could be attacked by other animals such as hawks.

However, large dogs such as retrievers and hounds can also be attacked by a couple of coyotes at one time. Last week, a golden retriever went missing after its owners let the animal outside unattended. Phelps believes that the dog could have been attacked by a pack of coyotes.

“They are opportunists,” he said about coyotes.

Phelps added that he has seen coyotes in his backyard at his home in Rocky Hill.

“I am sure they are there and we don’t see them,” he said. The coyotes often hid along the tree lines while hunting their prey, he added.

The DEEP suggests that residents do not feed coyotes or leave out food for any wild animals. Residents should clean up seed near bird feeders or fallen fruit and secure their garage and compost piles.

If you ever see a coyote, the DEEP suggests that you attempt to frighten it by making loud noises and acting aggressively such as throwing sticks or spraying a hose at the animal.

Phelps also warned residents that people have been known to steal dogs because they like the animal or want to sell it. The suspect often wait until a dog is let out unsupervised and snatch it.  

To report coyote problems or for more information, call Rocky Hill Animal Control at 860-258-2765, or DEEP dispatch center at 860-424-3333.

Enjoy reading Patch? Show us some love! Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.