City Clarifies Coyote Response Policy After Resident Says Pet Killed Near Harrison Park
The City of Owen Sound reminds residents that Animal Services won’t respond to coyote sightings, advising community members to take precautions and contact 911 for emergencies only.
The City of Owen Sound has issued a public reminder that coyote sightings in town are not unusual — and that Animal Services will not respond to reports involving wild animals, including coyotes.
The message, posted to the City’s official social media channels this week, follows recent community concern after a resident wrote a letter to the editor of Owen Sound Current, cautioning that a pet was killed by a coyote near Harrison Park.
In her late December letter, the resident shared that a neighbour’s small dog was chased and killed by a coyote along the trail between the cemetery and the park entrance on 1st Street West.
The writer warned others to keep pets leashed and be cautious in the area, noting multiple recent coyote sightings.
In its post, the City stated that coyotes are a natural part of the environment and “not considered a significant threat to people,” while advising residents to secure garbage and compost, use noise deterrents, and keep pets leashed.
If approached by a coyote, residents are encouraged to act assertively, make noise, and back away slowly.
The City also noted that Owen Sound Animal Services will not respond to calls about coyotes or other wildlife. In an emergency where a coyote poses an immediate risk to public safety, residents are instructed to call 911. The post did not invite public discussion or responses, as commenting was limited.
More information about coexisting with wildlife is available through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at ontario.ca/page/wildlife-and-nature.
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