SAUGUS, MA — Four dogs are dead amid a recent uptick in coyote attacks in Saugus in recent weeks, according to multiple reports.
Four out of the six dogs have died following the attacks, which have occurred in neighborhoods including Baker Hill and Bristow Street between dusk and 10 p.m, Itemlive first reported, citing Saugus Animal Control Officer Dan McCullough.
One local, named Lisa J. Webster, shared news of her dog’s death in the public Dogs of Saugus Facebook group in late September.
“Hey neighbors….last night at 11:15 p.m. a good size coyote entered my yard and attacked my dog while I was standing next to him,” Webster wrote Sept. 3o. ” It took me kicking the coyote to get him to release my dog but ultimately Sparky succumbed to his injuries and passed at 11:40 p.m. … RIP Sparky Doodles, the hole in my heart will never heal.”
In early October, Saugus Town Manager Scott Crabtree and the Saugus Animal Control Department issued a public advisory urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets given the recent “coyote activity.”
“In recent weeks, the town has received multiple reports of confrontations involving coyotes and small dogs, as well as unwanted interactions between coyotes and residents,” Crabtree said. “Residents are encouraged to be extra vigilant of their surroundings as coyotes seek out food sources to bulk up in advance of winter.”
Dan Proulx, a Massachusetts problem animal control agent, gave a presentation titled
“Achieving Coexistence with Coyotes” last month at the Saugus Public Library, sharing the following tips to protect pets from unwanted coyote encounters:
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife gave its own set of suggested measures to reduce the likelihood of a coyote attack on pets such as dogs and cats:
Experts suggest that anyone who is being followed or approached by a coyote while outdoors with their pet avoid running or turning their back and get their pet inside before returning to shout at the animal, wave their arms, swing a walking stick, or throw small objects in their direction.
Officials added that residents with concerns or questions about coyotes should call Saugus Animal Control Officer Darren McCullough at 781-521-3911 or at 781-231-4176.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.