Wauwatosa To Trap, Kill 'Nuisance' Coyote After Fatal Dog Attack

WAUWATOSA, WI— The City of Wauwatosa announced it will trap and kill a nuisance coyote after a fatal dog attack.

Drew Burgoyne, a meteorologist for CBS 58, said his 15-year-old Yorkie Brady was attacked and killed by a coyote in December in the Fisher Woods neighborhood.

"The City of Wauwatosa has a coyote nuisance management and response plan policy. In the event of a verified pet attack, and upon resident request, we will engage a contracted professional in an attempt to locate and remove a nuisance coyote," the city posted on its website.

Burgoyne previously told Patch that his wife, Adrienne Burgoyne, let Brady out into the back yard along with their other dog, Allie.

"The coyote came out of nowhere," he said. "It must have been lurking on the north side of our house. It was not deterred by her presence and quickly snatched up Brady, shaking him violently."

Burgoyne said there was no time for Adrienne to make distracting noises or grab the coyote stick they keep on their back porch.

The coyote carried Brady by the neck into a neighbor's yard.

Burgoyne said neighbors had been complaining about the coyote prior to the attack.

The City of Wauwatosa has contracted with Recon Trapping, who is currently scouting the area and plans to set traps starting Jan. 10. Recon Trapping will be requesting approval from property owners for areas that will have traps.

The trap is a foot-hold trap and non-lethal. However, Recon Trapping has permission and intends to use a gun to lethally shoot a coyote once it’s in a trap, the city said.

The city asks residents to leash pets at all times.

"Depending on where traps are placed, blocking posts, or fencing will be used to discourage non-target animals from entering the area and the trap. The trap locations will be marked with pink flagging," the city said.

If you see an animal in a trap, do not go near the trap or the trapped animal. Please call the Wauwatosa Police non-emergency number at 414-471-8430.

"We are pleased that the city is following through to help locate the coyote that killed our dog. We understand that this is a sensitive issue. In the end, I'm hopeful that our neighbors won’t have to experience the same kind of hurt," Burgoyne said.