Dog is killed by coyote in Boston yard

In a quiet neighborhood atop a hill with groomed lawns and tulips in bloom, it was the last interruption anyone expected to the serene city setting.

Late last Thursday, minutes after he let his dog outside, David Sherris responded to chirping behind his house in Jamaica Plain. He was horrified to see his beloved West Highland terrier, Maggie, in the mouth of a coyote.

When Sherris approached the wild animal, it dropped the 18-pound dog and fled into the woods. The small bundle of white, shaggy hair, which Sherris described as part of the family, did not survive.

''The fact of the matter is that this is a residential area; this should not be happening," said Sherris in the home on Neillian Crescent that he shares with his wife and 14-month-old son. ''Additionally shocking is that it could have been my baby. It happened in less than five minutes."

Dismayed that Maggie, his companion for 12 years, was dead, Sherris called police to see if they could kill or trap the coyote. He was told that under state law, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and other wild animals are protected.

The city's Animal Control officers searched for the coyote Thursday and Friday, but failed to locate it or a den. Had they found it, they would have had to release it back into its habitat, which could have been a few miles away, said James Cahill, director of animal control in Boston.

Cahill said the number of coyote sightings in the city has increased in the past year, especially in West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, and Mattapan, which he attributed to construction in suburban areas that is forcing coyotes to go elsewhere for food.

''Someone's going to get hurt; it's inevitable," Cahill said. ''It's out of our control. I hope it doesn't happen. Some little tyke is going to get bit some day. Something could happen. I hope it never does on my watch. Your hands are tied a little bit."

Because of the pet's death, Councilor John M. Tobin Jr. announced plans last night to go before the City Council tomorrow to seek a hearing on the issue. Tobin said he would like representatives from animal control and from the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to testify at the hearing, which he hopes will happen soon.

''Clearly, those laws weren't written for what's going on these days," said Tobin, who lives in West Roxbury and came across a coyote in his backyard three months ago. ''With all due respect to coyotes, the law seems to favor coyotes over people's pets or their kids. I can almost see it in a country setting, but for a city like Boston, that's not acceptable."

To counter state law, the City Council may be forced to file a home rule petition to change the way the law is enforced in Boston. The Legislature would then have to vote for such a change.

Reached last night for comment, a spokesman for the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, which oversees fisheries and wildlife, said the agency is willing to work with lawmakers.

''A proper balance always needs to be struck between public safety and concern for protected species," said Joe O'Keefe. ''We would always be willing to work with the Legislature on a responsible response to concerns of Boston residents."

Sherris, a consultant who works from his house, said Maggie was sweet, curious, and loved children. She often perched in the window and stared outside. Now, Maggie is buried in the backyard, Sherris said, and reminders of the pet are everywhere. His daily routine, he said, has become difficult. His wife is afraid to go outside.

Sherris said he is waiting to see what happens with the City Council before he takes action.

''The loss of this dog is just really gut-wrenching," he said. ''It's just not been easy."