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OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, October 8, 2009 · 12 Keeping your pets safe from coyotes Pet of the Week LOOKING FOR A HOME: Pip is a lovely Sharing neighbourhoods with wild animals is common in Ontario. Skunks, foxes, raccoons, bats, birds and in some cases deer, can be seen living in close proximity to people. As population growth increases we put pressure on wildlife and its habitat. In the case of coyotes, we also provide it with a food source if we are not cautious with our pets. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has worked collaboratively with other agencies to help manage and reduce conflict between people and wild animals. The Ministry recognizes that education is an important tool for minimizing human-wildlife conflicts. On a local level, the Oakville & District Humane Society (ODHS) similarly recognizes the importance of education, given that their Animal Protective Services Officers respond to a significant number of calls for wildlife assistance each year. Although the ODHS is not licensed to hold wild animals, they are exposed on a daily basis to the impact of wildlife on the safety and well-being of pets and their owners. "There are a number of wildlife concerns related to pets, but perhaps the most significant is a fatal loss," stated Heather White, the Community Outreach and Education Manager at the Oakville & District Humane Society. cattle dog who suffers from hearing loss. For more information on available animals, visit www.oakvillehumane.ca. Every Child Deserves Warm Feet This Winter! Join Kinder Soles in launching our Children's Aid Winter Boot Drive Donate a pair of gently worn children's winter boots and Kinder Soles will give you $5.00 off the purchase of a new pair of winter boots. Until November 1st, 2009 (limit one per child ). All donations will be given to the Children's Aid Society of Halton. Give The Gift of Warm Feet This Winter! Kinder Soles and the Children's Aid Foundation of Halton Thank You In Advance For Your Generous Donation "People do not seem to realize that they are putting their pets at risk when leaving them unsupervised outdoors in territory where coyotes live and hunt for food." Coyotes have a welldeveloped sense of hearing and smell and they adjust their hunting methods to the prey size and food sources available. Since first discovered by early settlers in North America on plains and open land, the coyote began a significant range expansion that continues to grow. The removal of the wolf in some areas has meant more to coyotes than the absence of a feared predator: it has meant less competition for prey animals. Although intelligent and playful, the coyote is one of North America's most controversial animals with a reputation for killing small farm animals. They primarily are carnivores, but a coyote will adjust to anything available. Although rabbits and hares are dietary staples as are small rodents, blueberries and other wild fruits are commonly eaten, in quantity in the summer and fall. Coyotes also eat insects when available. Domestic animals are not beyond the range of the coyotes appetite. For this reason it is important, particularly for pet owners who live on the edge of forested areas and/or ravines, to monitor their pets closely when outdoors. Do not let cats roam or allow dogs to remain unsupervised when outside. Do not risk the life or safety of your pet. "Coyotes are beautiful animals, but they do pose a risk to domestic animals," added White. "While farmers need to protect their young livestock from these hunters, people living in town should also recognize that there is a very real risk to their pet if left outdoors and unsupervised. People commonly let their dogs run off leash in ravine areas and parks. If there are coyotes in the neighborhood, pets can easily be targeted. Keep your dogs safe by keeping them in sight and on leash at all times." For more information about coyotes, contact the Oakville & District Humane Society at 905-845-1551, or visit the shelter at 445 Cornwall Rd. Alam & Rasul Certified Management Accountants www.alamandrasulcmas.ca 3450 Dundas Street, Burlington (Southwest corner of Dundas and Walker's Line in Longo's Plaza) We are a full service professional accounting firm - offering: · Corporate and personal tax services · Preparation of financial statements · Help in Tax audits and appeals · Controllership services for small biz · Bookkeeping, GST/PST & Payroll services · Business start-ups and Incorporation 905 631 8209 · www.kindersoles.ca Mon-Wed, Fri & Sat 9:30am-6pm, Thurs 9:30am-8pm, Sun 12pm-4pm 300-1100 Burloak Dr. Burlington, L7L 6B2 Ph: 905-336-8935 Fax: 905-332-3007 Email: info@alamandrasulcmas.ca