Coyotes strike in Camarillo

On March 13, our miniature schnauzer, Tucker, was killed by coyotes in our fenced backyard. We live in Mission Oaks, and the attack occurred around 7 p.m. while there was still sunlight. The details of his death are gruesome and are ingrained in my memory. A vital part of our family, we will grieve him forever.

Our other schnauzer was barking frantically and luckily saved when my husband opened the back door only to see a coyote dash past our spa, which is only about 15 feet from our house. I'm particularly concerned because my call to animal regulation only resulted in an uncaring, "Well, call us when you see one and we'll check it out."

I am hesitant to let our children go out in our yard now, day or night, which ironically is the reason we purchased this home.

When we purchased the house a few years ago, we immediately fenced in our yard to protect our children and dogs from neighborhood dogs. We live next to the new Pinnacle and Calarosa Ranch housing developments, which also caused an onslaught of mice and rats our way when the land was being cleared.

Many of these homes are now on the market again, and I feel a responsibility to get the word out to potential buyers and current residents that the coyotes are bolder than ever, so protect your children and pets. Do these land developers have any responsibility in safely fencing in the million dollar neighborhoods they so quickly build?

Although the loss of our dog, Tucker, is, I'm sure, seen as trivial to them, he was a priceless member of our family, and his tragic death was completely avoidable.

It seems to me if the builders force wildlife into adjoining neighborhoods, they bear some responsibility in protecting those homes and families. Konni Jo Tyler Camarillo