Mississauga currently has menacing coyotes in the neighbourhood. Animal Services has determined these coyotes have lost their evolutionary fear of humans and have become too bold. In July 2020, a coyote jumped over my backyard fence and brutally attacked my beloved dog, causing her death. Today, they are stalking my new dog and waiting outside of my backyard fence for them to attack once again. As residents and pet owners, we have the right to feel safe from menacing coyotes and should not have to fear encountering them. Enough is enough. 

We call on our elected official, Sue McFadden (Ward 10 City Councillor), Bonnie Crombie (Mayor of Mississauga), and Hon. John Yakabuski (Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry), to allocate the appropriate and necessary resources to ensure residents' and pets' safety. This must include a continuous presence of Mississauga Animal Service professionals in the immediate area, searching for the coyotes to continuously bring them back to the forest. In addition, because many residents have taken to social media reporting sightings, an online social media platform (such as a facebook group) for real-time reporting by residents must be created and continuously monitored by the Animal Service officer to aid in collaboration and allow Animal Service officers to respond in real time. While this process is underway, we expect regular updates from our Ward 10 City Councillor and Animal Services. This problem cannot be resolved until there is an adequate amount of resources allocated, improved collaboration for sightings, and regular communication from the city. 

Menacing coyotes pose a significant threat to pets and humans. Mississauga is home to many schools and families with children and pets. It is completely unacceptable to have menacing coyotes in close proximity to school-children playing, brazenly walking streets, waiting to attack and kill another one of our pets. Residents currently cannot walk outside, enjoy their parks, or take their leashed pets for a walk without fearing encountering a menacing coyote. Even a small risk is one that must be taken seriously and acted upon expeditiously- anything less would be simply negligent. As residents who pay taxes and elect officials to ensure a safe community and take action when issues arise, we believe the city has failed us to this point and we want this rectified immediately.