Re: the letter from Rea Fowler in the July 13 issue of the Western News.
This letter prompted me to take the time to tell of an incident. I wish to warn other pet owners of a serious problem with coyotes roaming through the city.
I allowed my cat to go out in the yard in the early morning between 4:30 and 5 a.m. Within a few minutes I heard a commotion on my deck and witnessed a coyote pulling my cat from the fence and killed it. I ran toward the coyote to try to assist my cat, the coyote turned toward me and only decided to leave when I came within 20 feet. I talked to neighbours to warn them of this danger to their pets and found that most had seen coyotes in streets and lanes.
If a bear or cougar comes into the city, the Wildlife Officers come and shoot them. If a dog gets loose the Animal Control Officer catches it and removes it to the pound. The coyotes are allowed to hunt and kill small animals at will with no fear of consequence. If you have had a pet go missing even if it was in your yard, it is most likely a coyote that has killed it and removed it for food. There are many posters and pet reports with lost pets. A predator that has no fear of people becomes a danger to anyone walking a dog in the early morning. It makes me sad that a pet is not safe in its own yard in the middle of this city.
R. Allen
Penticton