[Lovey2]

Regardless..there have been sightings of these coyotes up at peoples doors and back lanais. Yes, it is time to do something about them. We are NOT living in the wild. Alligators are protected, yet, when they become a nuisance they are trapped and removed or unfortunately killed. If that dog was on a leash I have no doubt that coyote would have attempted to take him anyway. They don't know leashes, and a fight for the poor little thing would have ensued, master and coyote pulling on either side. Yes...I think The Villages needs to get the Wildlife people out here to trap or (sadly) kill these coyotes. I don't advocate killing anything (even the little anoles) but we cannot have residents afraid to go out at night, with or without, their pets. I know of other neighbors that have had cats taken, as well. God forbid a guest was outside with a baby walking!!

[jessicarabitt]

OMG that's awful...my dog looks just like your dog...we own a villa ...which Village are you in? That poor puppy.

[FosterMomma]

I feel terrible for the dog and the owner... so sad!

[Sandtrap328]

I am sure that shooting at a wild animal in the confines of a community of 100,000 people is not legal.

[FosterMomma]

Wow... guns. Really?

[Chi-Town]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

If you can legally carry a gun when walking your dog-do so, coyotes can be shot on sight

The gun has to be from Acme.

[tomwed]

The down side of social media is that sometimes it feeds your imagination negatively. Too many conversations are about safety.

How would you advise a seven year old that's afraid to walk their dog, talk to strangers or even go outside just because once in a very great while something bad happens? The internet and cable TV post the bad stories all the time.

And it doesn't help seniors knowing that in a "fight or flight" situation they can't run like a seven year old can.

The good thing about social media is that you get to share your thoughts, even the dumb ones, anonymously with others who also are not home with family sitting at the kitchen table. You are not alone down here. You do have friends who will listen and hopefully not be too quick to judge or too shy to speak up.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by Sandtrap328

I am sure that shooting at a wild animal in the confines of a community of 100,000 people is not legal.

Brooksville Weapon Charge Defense Lawyer | Firearm Charge Defense Attorney in Hernando County

There are probably Lake, Sumter and Marion as well as City Ordinances against shooting a rifle, pistol, bow and arrow, etc. in populated areas. I have heard gunshots in the distance here in Lynnhaven but the unpopulated areas are still not that far away from some parts of the Villages. I just hope those farmers using them have muzzle discipline.

My heart goes out to the taken dog's owners.

From Marion County's Ordinances--

Sec. 11-1. - Discharge of firearms on public roads, etc.
No person shall discharge firearms on any graded public road, highway or street or knowingly discharge any firearms over any graded public road, highway or street. This section shall not apply to any person lawfully defending life or property or performing any official duties requiring the discharge of firearms, nor shall this section apply in the Ocala National Forest.

(Ord. No. 74-7, §§ 1, 2, 10-2-74)

State Law reference— Discharging firearms in public, F.S. § 790.15.

[HimandMe]

How sad for the little dog. We have lived in Florida a long time and this is the first time we have heard of this. Animal control needs to step up before people get paranoid and scared to walk their pets like we have always done.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by fromHHDS

Please everyone, do not take their advice and get out your guns! i am more concerned about poor shooting than a coyote!!

There are coyotes in downtown Boston for goodness sakes. You are so correct. We are closer together here, not each on our own 500 acre farm. And quite honestly, the wildlife here is a good part of what gives The Villages its character.

Just take precautions when we take our animals outside.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by HimandMe

How sad for the little dog. We have lived in Florida a long time and this is the first time we have heard of this. Animal control needs to step up before people get paranoid and scared to walk their pets like we have always done.

Let's see....will that include all the coyotes, alligators, fox, bear, panthers, boar, rattlesnakes, and other potential predators? I think we need to be a little more realistic about the nature of our surroundings. Much of TV has been designed to preserve the wildlife that was here long before we moved in. Perhaps this is not the place for some people but I chose TV in part for it's abundance of natural beauty.

[bluedivergirl]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

The gun has to be from Acme.

Coyotes have learned to live happily in suburbia. We had lots of 'em in the Twin Cities of MN.

Pay attention to your dog's body language. Like others stated, your dog knows before you do. If I were a dog owner, I'd get a walking stick or some other stout stick, and keep my animal close to me. A good clout on the nose of the coyote will send them running, should they be brave enough to face a human.

[sharoni]

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.

I have heard of a coyote walking along a villa wall so please be aware.

That might have been my post, but it was a bobcat in Charlotte that came into our yard after our cat on the lanai. It jumped about 10-15 feet from the walk to the back wall. It was seen several times walking the wall. So if you have a villa and think your pets are safe, they aren't!

[Sandtrap328]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

If you can legally carry a gun when walking your dog-do so, coyotes can be shot on sight

Florida law says only on your own property and that the bullets do not go off your property- and dependent on local rules and regulations.

In a community of 100,000 residents, I sincerely doubt the legality.

[Bonny]

So sad for the little puppy & his owner, but..... PLEASE no guns.
The solution is to keep your pets on a leash and close to you, not with a 20 - 25 foot lead. Had the puppy been on a short leash next to the owner, I doubt the coyote would have come near the dog. And, please, don't let your little kitties outside. If you feel the need, take them on a leash also.
And let's not forget. This was home to these wild animals before we all got here.