Video shows coyotes brutally attacking woman’s cat in Arlington neighborhood

ARLINGTON, Texas – Arlington Animal Services is increasing patrols in the area after reports of coyotes attacking cats recently. At least one of the attacks was caught on video.

Arlington residents are concerned about recent reports of coyotes and an attack on three children earlier this year.

Vicki Starr says she doesn’t know what kind of animal was responsible for eating three of her outdoor cats on Kiowa Drive in Arlington.

“My neighbor called me and said, ‘Vicki, you have a dead cat in your yard!’” she recalled.

Starr’s 89-year-old mother, who has spent most of her life in Arlington, says it’s never been a problem.

Now, a neighbor’s surveillance video shows coyotes attacking and eating Starr’s fourth cat Tuesday morning.

“And I mean, they just grabbed it,” Starr said.

Carolyn Hagan, Starr’s neighbor, recorded video of the attack that brought her to tears. She has a message for her neighborhood.

*WARNING: Sensitive content*

“There were two coyotes,” she said. “When they run out of cats, what will they go after?”

However, coyotes rarely attack humans.

Arlington Animal Services said it will be patrolling the area this week, but the city does not typically remove coyotes or urban wildlife unless there is a public health threat — for example, when a coyote loses its fear of humans.

“If they don’t see the movie, how brutal and vicious it is, they’ll probably think about it a little more,” Hagan said. “I have a 9-year-old grandson who lives down the street, and it worries me that they’re playing.”

In February, Arlington police and animal control officials captured a coyote believed to have attacked three children in Parkway Central Park, a mile and a half from Starr’s neighborhood.

“What really worries me is kids playing in the area,” Starr said. “Halloween is coming up, and they’re out trick-or-treating at night.”

Surveillance footage from Wednesday shows coyotes reappearing in the area.

Starr says she will try to keep a close eye on her animals and hopes all will be well.

“I’m even thinking about going and, this sounds stupid, but going and catching scarecrows,” she said. “They’ll see it, stop and move away.”

Arlington Animal Services says people should not leave food or water out that could attract coyotes. It asks anyone who sees a coyote to report it online to the city.