A 32-year-old was rushed to hospital with serious injuries over the weekend after an attack by both stray dogs and coyotes in Oneida Nation of the Thames First Nation on Saturday.
Middlesex OPP and Middlesex-London Paramedic Service personnel were called to an address on Nicholas Road at around 3:45 a.m. Saturday after a passerby found the injured individual and called 911.
Police have described the victim only as a 32-year-old from Oneida Nation of the Thames First Nation. An update on their condition from police was not available Monday morning.
“Although the investigation is in the early stages, it is believed that both stray dogs and coyotes were part of the attack,” police said in a release.
In a response to a request for more information on Wednesday, a police spokesperson added that “I can assure we are taking the necessary steps to try to determine the types of dogs involved and how many were involved. We are still hoping someone might come forward with video surveillance to assist with the investigation.”
The spokesperson did not confirm whether police have spoken with the victim.
Police also issued safety tips, noting that “coyotes can be found anywhere in Ontario, in both rural and urban locations.”
In most cases, police say if you keep your distance the animal will most likely avoid you. If you encounter an aggressive animal, you should never approach it; never turn your back and run; stand tall, make a lot of noise and back away slowly; and, if it “poses an imminent threat to the public,” call 911.
The attack follows several high-profile cases in Canada involving dog attacks, as well as concerns about coyotes appearing to be “not as timid” as usual.
Most recently, an 11-year-old boy was killed in Edmonton, Alta., after being attacked by two large Cane Corso dogs. A woman was also attacked at the same home two months prior.
In March, a dog attack at Little Norway Park in Toronto left a child with life-altering injuries.
In February, some residents in Oakville, Ont., began speaking out about concerns over increased coyote sightings. At the time, a town spokesperson said they had not received any reports of dog deaths due to coyotes this year, but admitted there have been reports of coyotes approaching and even following people, particularly in the southeast.
— with files from Global News’ Emily Mertz, Morgan Black, Gabby Rodrigues and Don Mitchell