Coyotes Attack Eden Prairie Dog

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - A 12-year-old Cockapoo is now fighting for his life after he was attacked by coyotes in Eden Prairie, and his owners are now warning anyone who will listen to protect their pets.

"He's got puncture wounds here around his neck," said Dr. Jennifer Myers. "They quite literally go for the jugular, and that's what happened to him."

It is difficult to watch the pain that the small dog named Rudy is going through, but the dog now needs a feeding tube inserted for meals.

Chris Clifton said the family found the 12-year-old Cockapoo curled up and crying near the back door, and they feel fortunate that he's still alive after seeing the scene.

"You can see where they dragged him along that trail," Clifton said. "Somehow, they decided to let him go."

Thursday was the first day the family got to visit Rudy in a room and hold him, and Patti Clifton told FOX 9 News it was also the first day Rudy actually recognized his family.

"It's horrible because he's normally a happy, chipper dog," she said. "To see him like this, it's sad."

This is not the first time reports of coyotes attacking pets have surfaced in the metro, but are they happening more frequently? Eden Prairie estimates between 30-50 sightings a year, and between 6 to 10 attacks annually The Blue Pearl Veterinary Clinic says it's possible because they have already treated half a dozen dogs after coyote attacks since the new year began.

"These small guys are at huge risk," said Myers. "They are like bunny rabbits to those guys. I would be really, really cautious letting my dog out unattended in areas where there have been coyote sightings."

The Cliftons said they didn't expect the attack would happen so close to home, but now they are warning everyone about what happened -- even starting a Facebook page to get the word out.

The Eden Prairie Police Department's Animal Control Unit shared the following tips with residents to help them keep their pets safe:

• Do not leave pet food or garbage outside.
• Do not intentionally feed coyotes.
• Do not leave dogs or cats outside unattended for long periods of time.
• Pets should be leashed and attended when walking in any recreational area.
• If you confront a coyote, shout or make some other loud noise to frighten the animal away.

Online Resources:

• Rudy Clifton on Facebook
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Urban Coyotes
• Animal Humane Society: Why Killing Coyotes Doesn't Work
• Animal Humane Society: Coyote Hazing Guidelines