TEXAS – The sighting of multiple coyotes in Dallas communities has become a topic of debate for residents and city leaders.
However, the attack by a minor prompted an initiative announced Thursday by the Dallas Animal Service.
This is a line that residents can call to report a coyote sighting in their area. The number to dial is 469-676-9813.
It all started on Tuesday, May 3, around 8:28 am, when officers responded to a call about an animal attack.
When the Dallas Police Department arrived in the vicinity of Royalpine Drive and White Rock Trail they encountered a minor who was attacked by a coyote.
An officer later found the coyote near a park between Royalpine Dr and Goforth Road where he shot at the animal but the latter fled into a wooded area and it is unknown if he was hit.
Meanwhile, the 2-year-old boy was transported to a local hospital and was listed in critical condition. However, on Thursday, May 5, our sister network NBC 5 contacted the little boy’s parents who issued the following statement:
“Landon “Knox” Thomas is getting better every day. He suffered multiple injuries to his head and neck as well as a broken jaw and bruises after being dragged down the stairs and attacked by the coyote. He is expected to recover in the next few days. months. This afternoon he got out of bed for the first time, walked and ate solid food.”
For its part, the Dallas Animal Service confirmed to Telemundo 39, on Wednesday night, that a coyote was shot and that he himself is being tested for rabies.
However, officials added that they still do not know if this is the same coyote that attacked Landon on Tuesday morning but that they would have more information in the coming hours.
Authorities have been searching for the animal.
“It’s horrifying, I think something needs to be done and I know my wife and other neighbors have called to find a solution,” said Anthony Divenuti, who lives in the area and learned about what happened.
Dallas Animal Services reported in a statement that the coyote had been hand-fed and petted by people in the community on several occasions, which helped the coyote not be afraid of humans.
Since then officers have carried out operations to find the animal but have been unsuccessful.
Dallas police are warning area residents to be alert and call 911 if they see the coyote, but most importantly to stay away from it.
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