Two coyotes killed a 14-pound Brussels griffon on April 13 after the small dog escaped from its fenced-in yard and confronted them, according to a statement on the City of Highland Park website and TribLocal.

The dog escaped its fence to pursue two coyotes in southwest Highland Park, on Magnolia Lane. The coyotes attacked and then one of them put the dog in its mouth and walked away, according to TribLocal. The owner found the dog two blocks away and took it to an emergency veterinarian hospital where it died.

“The dog went after the coyotes,”  Deputy Police Chief David Schwarz told TribLocal. “The coyotes responded.”

In January, the Highland Park Police Department issued a notice advising residents to keep their dogs on leashes after two adult coyotes attacked an unleashed spaniel  at the private beach east of Lakewood Place. The spaniel received minor injuries. 

At the time, Highland Park Police Sgt. Chris O'Neill acknowledged that coyotes "become more bold" when food becomes scarce; however, he also said that they still try to avoid human contact as much as possible.

To avoid similar incidents, police suggest residents take the following steps:

• Check the integrity of your fencing to keep pets safe and secure.
• Leash your dogs when on public property.
• Supervise your children.
• Secure your garbage.
• Don't leave pet food outside.