What would you do?

[Richard Crowe]

We got a call from a family who live on a golf course in the city of Los Angeles who wanted to surrender their Maltese.  The reason for the surrender is that a coyote has been stalking the dog while they take it for walks.  Since they live on a golf course, they are not allowed to put up a fence and need to walk the dog to go potty.

Apparently the coyote has grabbed another dog while it was being walked on a leash and this same coyote has followed the Maltese into the family garage while being the dog was being walked on a lead. 

I am a firm believer in allowing wildlife to remain unmolested but, when a coyote becomes threatening like this one; something has to be done.  The question is WHAT?

Since I live in a rural area, the simple solution for me would be my twelve gauge shotgun.  However discharging a firearm within most city limits will get you in hot water.

What would you suggest that this family do.  Getting rid of the family dog or moving seems to be a drastic solution and one that I would not consider.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I can't walk Murphy here in our complex....not because of coyotes, but because he can be reactive, and I can't afford to have complaints from any neighbors....and there are several who do not think that large dogs should be allowed.  We take him right out back to potty, but for his walks I put him in the car and take him to different parks.  It seems like it would be difficult, but I'm used to it now, and I really don't think of it as an inconvenience.  Would they consider this?

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

How about an air horn?  See attached:

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/coyotes/tips/hazing_guidelines...

[Richard Crowe]

I checked Google regarding Coyote Attacks in Los Angeles and it appears that they are quite prevalent; mostly against dogs and cats but sometimes against humans.

We suggested contacting the local authorities as well as California Fish and Game.  However, I don't have much faith in authorities protecting anyone.

I personally would make it my place to protect my dog!  Of course, there are some people who abhor any type of violence even in the protection of home and property.  I live in a semi rural area and would just ensure than anything I shot at the coyote would not go far enough to endanger anyone.  

A shotgun with birdshot would dispatch any coyote but, if you walked your dog carrying a shotgun, you would be surrounded by cops. A handgun would be ideal except that most folks cannot hit the broadside of a barn with a handgun.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

And I should add that I am not one that would kill any animal. But coyotes - they could get my Chihuahua in two seconds, so if one was harassing us, you better believe that thing would be dead.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I would call the City/local authorities for sure!  There has to be some sort of group that will remove/kill that coyote.  If it were me, we'd just shoot it.  But I live on an acre - no association, etc....

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I would definitely check with local authorities- the City website for animal control perhaps?  Scary.  

[K and Racey]

Also, if the coyote is being that aggressive towards dogs when people are around, what's next? a child, a jogger? What about the state troopers or dept of fish and wildlife-have they been contacted?

[K and Racey]

I'd take the risk and bring my handgun on my walks from now on.

Doesn't California have any kind of "protection of life and property" laws?