Laguna Woods residents are keeping a watchful eye over their beloved pets after several have been snatched by coyotes, some, right out of their leash and collar.
Mocha was an 8-year-old party poodle. She belonged to Laguna Woods resident Andrea Peck but was especially dear to Peck's 82 year old mother.
"Mocha was my mother's therapy dog, but more importantly we always said, he was a rescue dog, but he rescued us. He was an angel," said Peck.
But Saturday Mocha became another victim of coyotes that have been attacking pets here in the last two weeks.
Dog owners like Peck have been anxious following the loss of their beloved friends.
"We're walking around with golf clubs and sticks and fear, " said Laguna Woods resident Shari Warner.
Worried seniors have been calling the city. Officials say seven coyotes have now been captured and euthanized, including two last night.
One of those two was killed by a professional hunter that was hired to track down the coyotes.
The Laguna Woods city council voted to allow such hunters, but only if done by the city.
Peck says her mom fell backwards when the coyote attacked Mocha while she was leashed to her and she worries a senior will get seriously hurt or worse.
"These are their family. This may be the last of their family and so when they see the pet in trouble they try to defend those animals the best way they can which is with their own life," said Peck.
