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Coyote likely jumped fence to kill family's beloved dog Continued from pg. 1 Tucker's ribs had punctured his lung and the vet told them they needed to rush him to the emergency hospital in Guelph. They were just west of Georgetown when he died. Buck wants to ensure that nobody else's pet is attacked like Tucker was. "He did not deserve to die so violently," said Buck. "If we had known that a four-foot chain link fence was not enough to protect our dog we would never have let him out by himself. Tucker was eight and we have lived on the ravine for 18 years. We have never had any problems before." They found large paw prints along the fence line and also in their yard, which they believe could belong to a coyote. She said a friend saw a coyote chase a deer on Morden Neilson Way a few days after Christmas, she's heard a number of cats had gone missing near the ravine, and that someone had their puppy snatched by a coyote just 10 feet away. "Something came over the fence. I don't want this to happen to someone else. Some of my neighbours don't have fenced yards." She urges everyone to watch their dogs at night. Jolanta Kowalski, a media relations spokesperson with the Ministry of Natural Resources, said it could have been a coyote that killed the Buck's dog, but it's difficult to say because the MNR didn't investigate the incident. "Cats and small dogs could be seen as small prey for coyotes," said Kowalski. She said coyotes have adapted "really well" to urban areas across North America. A coyote attack on a dog in a backyard is "not a regular occurrence, but it's not unusual." She recommends people take steps to avoid having anything outside that could attract a coyote to a property, including garbage, pet food or fruit that has fallen from trees. She said to protect pets, fencing should be at least six feet tall with the bottom extending six inches under the ground. "Coyotes are primarily nocturnal. Keep pets inside at night, or go out with them." Spay or neuter your dogs. Coyotes are attracted to, and can mate with, domestic dogs that have not been spayed or neutered. For more information on coyotes living within urban areas visit the ministry website at www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/ FW/2ColumnSubPage/271326.html or go www.mnr.gov.on.ca and search coyotes. I'm definitely training for a career with a future. Pre-apprenticeship skilled trades training will get you job-ready­fast! Programs start February. Learn more at a free information session. Check the website for dates: www.thecentre.on.ca To register: 905-333-3499 ext. 121 or 1-888-315-5521 ext. 121 trades@thecentre.on.ca 3 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday, January 12, 2010 FLAMINGO DANCE PROFESSIONALS Dorri L. Bland Certified Ballroom/Latin Dance Instructor Ladies Dance Jam Couples Social Dance where every Lady can be the "Belle" of the Ball and every Man can be the Gentlemen who is admired. Tuesdays 8:30 ­ 9:45 pm Starts Jan 19/10 Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing Shake your Booty, Whittle down Thighs, Tighten and Tone Abs and Waist. Steps and combinations to Latin Rhythms, Meringue, Cha Cha, Rumba, Salsa, Samba Line Dance, Belly Dance, Jazz and Hip Hop Thursdays 8:30 ­ 9:45 pm Starts Jan 14/10 Call Dorri for more info/registration 905-873-4907 downtownspa11@bellnet.ca 2010 YARIS · AUTO · CONVENIENCE PKG. $ Lease for 198 + taxes BT9K3P-B per month for 60 months with $2499 down payment or equivalent trade MSRP $17,350 1.9% Purchase Financing up to 36 months 15 MOUNTAINVIEW RD. N., GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN TOYOTA *First payment due on delivery. All leases are 24,000 km per year with an excess mileage charge of 7¢ per km. **See dealer for full details. 905-877-2296 WEBSITE at www.georgetowntoyota.com