Weekend attack: Ahead of public meeting, Wauwatosa man says his dog was the latest killed by coyote

WAUWATOSA -- Following a string of recent attacks on dogs by coyotes, officials in Wauwatosa are set to hold a public meeting on Tuesday evening, October 6th, where members of the public can ask questions, and Wisconsin Department of Resources officials can discuss how to deal with these coyotes.

The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. in the gym at Underwood Elementary School.

But one man who lives in Wauwatosa says it's too little, too late. His dog was killed by a coyote this past weekend.

Spotty

"His collar was right here and I believe that's where they actually nabbed him," Randy Brunner said.

Brunner says a coyote went after his Jack Russell Terrier named Spotty on Saturday evening, October 3rd.

"I'm sure he was an easy target -- 18 years old, and he didn't move very fast -- didn't make much noise," Brunner said.

Brunner didn't see the coyote, but he's sure that's what targeted Spotty.

"I literally put him on a leash, and when I turned back, I seen the leash and Spotty was gone," Brunner said.

Spotty

Brunner ran back into the house to grab another dog. He estimates he was gone for less than one minute. Brunner found Spotty a few yards away -- barely breathing.

"Basically ripped his neck wide open, so yeah, on a white dog it was not very pleasant," Brunner said.

Brunner rushed Spotty to a veterinary clinic, but he had to be euthanized.

"I thought I was educated. I talked about this problem three weeks ago and I don't think anybody knows how these coyotes will react," Brunner said.

Randy Brunner

Brunner was, in fact, on FOX6 a few weeks ago, talking about the number of coyote attacks in the Wauwatosa area. He is among those who want to see more done to address the issue.

Wauwatosa Police Lt. Brian Zalewski talked with FOX6 about what could be discussed during the public meeting Tuesday evening.

"What some of the local ordinances are for people, what some of the state laws are regarding land owners and what their options might be in dealing with this coyote situation," Lt. Zalewski said.

Coyote

This, as Brunner is doing his own research.

"I'm not going to accept the fact that in the city of Wauwatosa I have to learn to live with a wild animal -- a vicious wild animal," Brunner said.

Wauwatosa police say there will be a DNR biologist at Tuesday evening's public meeting -- and residents will be filled in on what they can do legally in terms of trapping or hunting coyotes.

Coyote