City bylaw enforcement officials are once again urging local residents to be aware of coyotes, after it has been confirmed a coyote killed by bylaw enforcement personnel had indeed suffered from canine distemper.
It was suspected the coyote suffered from the viral disease when it was found exhibiting strange behaviour near Saskatchewan Hospital Jan. 2. The animal was shot and killed by bylaw enforcement. Since then, tests on the animal have confirmed the coyote suffered from canine distemper.
Special constable Ross MacAngus says canine distemper does not affect humans, however wild animals and domestic pets are susceptible. In a Jan. 13 news release, MacAngus urged dog owners to "keep their animal vaccinations up to date and if you notice a coyote within City limits or acting unusual by approaching people or staggering, report it to our special constables or call the RCMP."
People are urged not to feed any wildlife including birds, to feed pets indoors, not to leave garbage outside in plastic bags, and owners of small dogs or cats should monitor their pets carefully when outside and not have them run at large.
