MeLissa Webber, Director, Dallas Animal Services 

Ann Barnes, Assistant General Manager – Field, Dallas Animal Services 

Brett Johnson, Wildlife Biologist, Dallas Park and Recreation 

Dallas Police Department Public Information Officer

Tuesday morning Dallas Animal Services (DAS) joined Dallas Police Department (DPD) in response to a report that a two-year-old child was attacked by a coyote while sitting on their porch near White Rock Valley Park. USDA Wildlife then deployed an expert to the scene to work with DPD on tracking and capture efforts. DAS Animal Services Officers (ASOs) remained on call to transport any captured coyote for rabies testing in accordance with protocol. Wednesday morning, DAS was asked to participate in expanded capture operations alongside USDA.

DAS discourages media presence at the capture site as it impedes the animal’s capture and poses a safety concern.  

Also Tuesday, DAS completed an automated review of its wildlife calls in the White Rock Valley area; results were limited. However, in response to residents claiming they made previous reports in this area, DAS is currently manually reviewing area calls during the past three months. As DAS Officers and the city’s wildlife biologist walked the neighborhood and met with residents, multiple residents reported that people in the area have been feeding the coyote.

For more information on how to report coyote sightings, visit BeDallas90.org