Last week I read reports that Jessica Simpson’s dog, Daisy, was abducted by a local coyote. A very sad story indeed – but let’s use Daisy’s story to better understand predatory threats to small dogs and cats.
Coyotes and Hawks are predatory creatures that can and will attack and abduct small dogs and cats. The normal prey for hawks are critters such as field mice, voles or in the largest instance, rabbits. Coyotes are known to invade the local hen house and abscond with chickens. With development threatening their hunting ground, you will hear more and more stories of the coyote who has wandered into the local suburban community to forage for food in the trash.
I personally know of a Yorkie puppy that was playing in her backyard and was picked up by a hawk in Wisconsin. In one fluid swoop, the dog was gone. It’s not common, but then again, it does happen.
I am not aware of the exact circumstances surrounding Daisy’s abduction, but using some simple guidelines may help your pet avoid the same unfortunate fate.
1. Fence your yard. Large open spaces provide the predator with the advantage for hunting. Not only will a fenced yard help deter these predators, but will also help your pet stay healthier since it will limit their exposure to fleas, ticks and worms.
2. If you have a small dog, or very young puppy, it is best to leash your pet when outside at all times. The smaller the dog or cat, the more likely they are to be viewed as prey. With small dogs gaining in popularity, we will likely hear more and more stories about predators taking off with the family pet.
Because of Ms. Simpson’s celebrity status, her story is far more visible than the rest of us, however, it is no less tragic. My hope is that the unfortunate loss of her pet will make us more aware of these predators and keep someone else from experiencing such a shocking and tragic loss.
