Coyotes Attack, Kill Horse From Lapeer County Sheriff's Department

LAPEER (WWJ) - Authorities say an attack by coyotes has killed a horse from the Lapeer County sheriff's department mounted division.

The attack took place Sunday afternoon at a farm along the border between Lapeer and Oakland counties.

The mare was on the farm of one of the sheriff's mounted unit members.

Lt. Bruce Osmon, head of the mounted unit,  says the horses were in a paddock ... about to be fed when the attack occurred.

"The farm owners personal dogs heard the commotion - and went to the rescue of the horse. So, at the point at which the dogs went after the coyotes - they broke up the pack - some of the dogs were slightly injured but did okay," said Osmon.

Osmon says residents need to be aware that coyotes can be just as vicious to a small child or family pet, so he advises keeping an eye on kids and pets outside and advises not leaving food outside.

The Lapeer County Sheriff's Mounted Unit posted a message on Facebook saying the horse was up near the barn and less than 150 feet from the house eating grain when the attacked occurred.

The post goes on to say that normally coyotes tend to stay away from building and hunt more a night and expressed sadness at the loss of the horse.

They say the attack was "pretty aggressive," given the close proximity of the home.