Escaped chihuahua killed by coyote near M5
GRF SECURITY
In one of the first documented incidents of its kind in a decade, a coyote apparently killed a chihuahua that had been reported missing a few days before. According to a Security report, GRF Director Mike Banfield spotted the coyote dragging the deceased dog at 8:31 a.m. on May 24 in Mutual 5. He chased it away, called Security and covered the dog until Seal Beach Animal Control arrived.
Residents are reminded that pets—both cats and dogs— should always be supervised and leashed while outdoors. Allowing pets to wander without leashes is against GRF Pet Ownership Rules, 501023-1, and puts pets’ lives in danger. The leash should be no longer than 6 feet. Likewise, shareholders should never leave pet food outside, as it creates a reliable food source for both coyotes and their prey.
This is the first reported and confirmed death of a pet by a coyote in Leisure World in at least 10 years, according to GRF Security—although residents have occasionally reported sightings of feline remains. Coyotes are common in Leisure World, but attacks are rare.
The recent death involved a small, tan chihuahua wearing a patterned coat halter. The dog was reported missing on a Leisure World community Facebook page three days before it was found dead. Multiple witnesses reported seeing the escaped pup running through Mutual 3 and Mutual 4 in the days following its disappearance.
A similar incident occurred in 2009, when a 3-pound Yorkshire terrier named Bubbles was abducted and killed by a coyote in College Park West, according to ABC7 News. The incident sparked contentious city council meetings where residents clashed over how to deal with the wild animals.
Under California law, it is illegal to relocate coyotes. They can be trapped; but if they are captured, they must be euthanized. The Golden Rain Foundation has attempted to trap coyotes over the years with little success.
Coyote sightings are tracked and logged by GRF Security. Any resident who witnesses a coyote, a lost pet, or pet remains should report it to Security by calling 562-594-4754.
Coyote sightings are com - mon in Leisure World. All pets should be attached to a leash no longer than 6 feet when outdoors in the community to minimize risk.
