Family: Our Dogs May Have Been Killed By Coyotes

Police are teling people to be careful with their pets, especially at night, after hearing that a pair of small dogs were killed Sunday night on Villa Coublay, near Frontenac's border with Creve Coeur.

Debbie Rudawsky wrote about what happened in a Patch blog

She said that the family dachshund, Missy, was 15 ½ years old. "She was definitely nearing the end of her life but still had spring in her step. Max, our Papillon, was about to celebrate his 10th birthday next month and was a bundle of fur, ears and energy. It is just so horrible how their life had to end and they will be missed."

Rudawsky said a vet told the family "based on their wounds and where we found them in our yard, that they were attacked and killed by at least two coyotes."

Frontenac Police Chief Tom Becker said Animal Control authorities weren't sure what exactly attacked the dogs and that it was possible that another dog was responsible, considering that coyotes by their nature, would drag prey away. He said there have not been reports of vicious dogs in the area.

Creve Coeur Police could not be reached for comment, but there have been anectdotal reports of coyotes in both communities in recent years.

Chief Becker said the incident was a reminder of the need for pet owners to go out at night, especially with smaller animals.