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New Coyote Attacks On Dogs Reported In New Castle

NEW CASTLE, N.Y. -- New Castle police have issued another coyote advisory after two more dog attacks were reported this week.

Two dogs were attacked this week by coyotes in New Castle. Police are warning residents to keep an eye on their pets and to secure their yards. The above recent photo shows an unrelated coyote.

Two dogs were attacked this week by coyotes in New Castle. Police are warning residents to keep an eye on their pets and to secure their yards. The above recent photo shows an unrelated coyote.

Photo Credit: Richard Spencer

The first advisory was issued on June 2 after a dog was killed by a coyote in New Castle on May 27. Since then, there have been numerous sightings and several attacks.

In the latest attacks, a 38-pound dog on Hardscrabble Road and a 44-pound on Ludlow Drive were attacked, police said.

 In both cases the dog owners heard barking and were able to scare the coyotes away; both dogs will survive. 

New Castle police said coyotes attack quickly and if residents are not cautious the first time they see one may be when it is attacking their pet. In addition, owners should never assume that because they have a large dog, that it is safe, coyotes are known to attack animals large and small.

To help safe guard pets, police are again offering following the following tips:

  • Pets should not be left outside alone, even when tied to a runner. Never chain your dog outside without a way for them to escape. 
  • Small pets need to be supervised with a person close by to help them if they run into trouble.
  • Don't assume a fence is enough protection. It needs to be at least six feet high without chain links that offer a coyote an easy way to climb over. Fences should also extend at least six inches underground or be parallel to the ground at least 12 inches and secured with landscaping staples. Devices such as the "coyote roller,” which “rolls off” coyotes that try to scramble over the fence, can enhance the effectiveness of a fence. Do-it-yourself options also include adding PVC piping or chicken wire to the top of your fence to prevent coyotes from jumping over, and retrofitting a mesh apron to the bottom of the fence (extending at least 12 inches out and secured with landscaping staples) to keep coyotes from digging under. 
  • Coyotes can attack at any time but dawn and dusk are the most dangerous times.
  • Don't assume having your dog on a leash is enough. If you're out walking and see a coyote, pick up your dog.

Coyotes are most aggressive during mating season which runs January through March, and when they are protecting pups. 

Reports of aggressive behavior or unusual sightings should be made to the New Castle Police Department at 914-238-4422. Call 911 in an emergency situation.

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