Coyote sightings, pet attacks becoming more common in Westchester

WESTCHESTER, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Residents in Westchester and Playa del Rey say coyotes have become a growing nuisance, boldly wandering into residential neighborhoods and attacking pets.

Some residents say they carry Mace when they take their pets out for a walk at night. One woman even bought a vest adorned with sharp spikes to help protect her pooch.

Westchester resident Suzanne Armstrong set up a website where neighbors can report coyote sightings and attacks. Video shows them wandering the walkways next to homes and reported sightings include a coyote running off with a white dog in its mouth.

Local resident Myla Twillie spent $60 to buy a bright vest for her dog with spikes on it.

"There are stripes on it that you can remove and they have spikes placed where a coyote would try to latch on the neck or the body area because they want to try to carry the dog away," she said.

The coyote problem has caught the attention of Los Angeles City Hall. City Councilman Mike Bonin said a meeting is planned on Sept. 28 in Westchester to discuss the issue. City animal experts and wildlife agencies will be on hand to discuss the problem and potential options for the future.