[MDLNB]

Originally Posted by kcrazorbackfan

Trust me, don't be outside walking around when it's lightning; this IS the lightning capital. After 25 years of carrying a weapon, a coyote (and neither much anything else) will not get me emotional or adrenaline filled. Pepper spray will just run the coyote off, a bullet insures it will not bother anyone again. My .380 won't be my 1st option; kicking the s**t out of it and breaking something will be. Then....

[Chi-Town]

Originally Posted by kcrazorbackfan

Trust me, don't be outside walking around when it's lightning; this IS the lightning capital. After 25 years of carrying a weapon, a coyote (and neither much anything else) will not get me emotional or adrenaline filled. Pepper spray will just run the coyote off, a bullet insures it will not bother anyone again. My .380 won't be my 1st option; kicking the s**t out of it and breaking something will be. Then....

Go ahead, kick my a$$.

[MDLNB]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

Go ahead, kick my a$$.

Attachment 54104

beautiful animal. Reminds me of my K-9 from the U.S.M.C back in the early '70's

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by Uberschaf

I would think discharging a firearm is illegal in TV even at a coyote.

Shooting across a road is illegal in the state of Florida. So, as long as the bullet does not cross the road. Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine If you are protecting you home or your life or other property, that's an exception even if it crosses roads. There might be cases though on whether or not protecting your pets from wildlife constitutes some kind of defense of property.

Not rendering any legal advice here though just posting some links and random thoughts.

This is useful-- https://www.colliersheriff.org/index.aspx?page=7137

[MDLNB]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

Shooting across a road is illegal in the state of Florida. So, as long as the bullet does not cross the road. Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine If you are protecting you home or your life or other property, that's an exception even if it crosses roads. There might be cases though on whether or not protecting your pets from wildlife constitutes some kind of defense of property.

Not rendering any legal advice here though just posting some links and random thoughts.

This is useful-- https://www.colliersheriff.org/index.aspx?page=7137

Actually, it isn't the coyote's fault. I mean if one did not have a pet, then it wouldn't be in danger. And wildlife does need to eat, right? Besides, maybe if the pet did not instigate the confrontation, then the coyote would not have found a need to defend itself. "There are not that many hotheads in the Villages fortunately." Sorry, I just couldn't resist. The devil made me do it.

[Jima64]

Would you really want to deal with a wayward bullet travelling into another home and hurting someone. My dogs fo out on the leash for evening business right at bedtime. No walks, just get it done and we go back inside.

[tommy steam]

Walk your dog during daylight hours, in the evening let them use you lawn ,than back inside. I have see coyotes in my village of Charlotte last year, walking right up the road. I wouldn't want to be shooting at a coyote and have my round go into someone's home and kill them. Pepper spray if you must .

[MDLNB]

I wouldn't want you shooting if you're that bad a shot, either. It's probably a good idea if you keep your pets inside so they won't become victim to wildlife. Personally, I wouldn't be chasing a coyote down the street, shooting my weapon like Yosemite Sam. I think the theme of the conversation regarding the use of firearms was for protection of self and pet when attacked. If I observe a coyote in the distance, I plan to avoid it. On the other hand, if it enters my property and attacks my family or pet, I will probably shoot it. I love animals so I would probably be less inclined to shoot, rather than chase it off in another manner. But, you have every right to protect yourself. Anyone that says otherwise is not being truthful. I don't carry a stick around with me, but I do carry a CCW. On the other hand, if you fear exercising your pet without some form of protection, spray is probably something to consider. I carry a CCW and my neighbors do not even realize it. That's the idea. I have had guns most of my life and have never found it necessary to shoot wildly into a populated area. We are not talking about drive by shootings here. We are talking of close up protection.

[Justus]

Sad for this pet owner. I hope when Villagers think it's "humane" to feed wildlife, they remember this incident. Feeding birds, squirrels, turtles and ducks in residential areas may make one feel good, but it is destructive, dangerous, and is counterproductive to the natural order of things.

BTW, those who think composting their garden is a good use for garbage should not wonder why the rodent and wildlife population is closing in.

[Mikeod]

A fellow golfer today reported that a coyote was seen in the Winn-Dixie parking lot at Lake Sumter recently. If I remember correctly, that is an area where people are feeding feral cats. Is there a connection there? Is the attempt to help one type of wildlife actually attracting/encouraging a less desirable wildlife?

[CricketCody]

Originally Posted by duffysmom

Village News reports a small dog (Morkie) was snatched from the front yard while out with his owner. The man reported he saw the coyote take the dog but he was unable to do anything.

This distraught pet parent was in his own yard with Morkie, his 4-legged companion, when the coyote carried his cherished pet away. How can anyone possibly blame him or offer suggestions as to how he could have prevented this unanticipated event? The anguish Morkie's family will continue to feel and experience for years to come is painful to imagine. He wasn't an irresponsible pet parent exposing his dog to possible danger. He was in his own front yard in a neighborhood of close homes! For as any of us know, he may have even had an invisible fence installed to keep his dog at home. Who cares if his dog was on a leash or not? It just doesn't matter. The anguish is felt by anyone who has ever loved a pet. They are family. We baby them, exercise them, laugh with them. And they provide companionship and unconditional love. How sad that anyone suggests that he could have done something different to protect his most cherished companion ... in his own yard! Tragedy happens. Don't place blame on a grieving soul. They blame themselves enough. Coulda - Shoulda- Woulda. It could have been any one of us with animals we love. I feel his pain. And send out a virtual hug. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by CricketCody

This distraught pet parent was in his own yard with Morkie, his 4-legged companion, when the coyote carried his cherished pet away. How can anyone possibly blame him or offer suggestions as to how he could have prevented this unanticipated event? The anguish Morkie's family will continue to feel and experience for years to come is painful to imagine. He wasn't an irresponsible pet parent exposing his dog to possible danger. He was in his own front yard in a neighborhood of close homes! For as any of us know, he may have even had an invisible fence installed to keep his dog at home. Who cares if his dog was on a leash or not? It just doesn't matter. The anguish is felt by anyone who has ever loved a pet. They are family. We baby them, exercise them, laugh with them. And they provide companionship and unconditional love. How sad that anyone suggests that he could have done something different to protect his most cherished companion ... in his own yard! Tragedy happens. Don't place blame on a grieving soul. They blame themselves enough. Coulda - Shoulda- Woulda. It could have been any one of us with animals we love. I feel his pain. And send out a virtual hug. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

To say this so attacking everyone, apparently you did not read all the posts on this thread. This thread shows that everyone here is a pet lover & the majority have pets!

[CricketCody]

Sorry you took it that way. I was only referring to those who are blaming the pet owner. I can just imagine how distraught I would be if something happened to my dog. I take him out every night (on leash) in our yard. But who knows what could happen?

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by Mikeod

A fellow golfer today reported that a coyote was seen in the Winn-Dixie parking lot at Lake Sumter recently. If I remember correctly, that is an area where people are feeding feral cats. Is there a connection there? Is the attempt to help one type of wildlife actually attracting/encouraging a less desirable wildlife?

Actually we had some feral cats in the neighborhood and it seems that coyotes probably got them along with most of the rabbits.

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by CricketCody

Sorry you took it that way. I was only referring to those who are blaming the pet owner. I can just imagine how distraught I would be if something happened to my dog. I take him out every night (on leash) in our yard. But who knows what could happen?

The discussion was not blaming the pet owner. We are all devastated for his loss. We are discussing what may prevent something like that happening.