The Town of LaSalle has issued a statement after a coyote attacked and killed a pet dog on Bouffard Road earlier this week.
"The Town of LaSalle Administration and Council are saddened to hear of the tragic loss of a dog due to a coyote attack," read the statement issued Thursday night. "We have heard of these situations over the years, and are listening to the comments that we have been receiving."
Lori Quaggiotto said she had let her year-and-a-half-old Yorkie Poo outside Tuesday when a coyote jumped her fence. She decided to warn others coyotes were becoming more aggressive.
"As a municipality, managing wildlife is out of our jurisdiction," responded the town. "The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry helps manage wildlife in Ontario. They have a number of resources on their website about living with wildlife and protecting your property."
Maggie Sue, a Yorkie-Poo was attacked by a coyote while playing in her yard in LaSalle. (Photo courtesy of Lori Quaggiotto)
Quaggiotto told BlackburnNews.com she started calling town officials back in January, and since then, has spoken with LaSalle Police and Erie Wildlife Rescue. As of Thursday, she said she had tried repeatedly to contact officials at the ministry.
The statement urges residents to not leave food outside for wildlife, saying, "wild animals, like coyotes, are attracted to places where food is available."
It also urges residents to call the ministry at 519-773-4728 if they have concerns about coyotes and to call 911 if they are in imminent danger.