Rescue mission aborted after ‘injured dog’ turns out to be coyote
Kingston Fire and Rescue are reminding residents not to venture out onto the ice after a Monday morning rescue call resulted in crews retreating back to the main land.
Members of Kingston Fire and Rescue ventured out onto the ice of the Cataraqui River near the LaSalle Causeway after receiving a call from a concerned citizen regarding an injured dog on the ice at approximately 10:18 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. The crews quickly discovered that the animal was, in fact, a coyote, and aborted the rescue mission in order to maintain the safety of the firefighters.
“Respecting the health and safety of our first responders, a rescue was not attempted. Kingston Fire and Rescue is in the process of contacting the Ministry of Natural Resources to follow-up on this situation,” Kingston Fire and Rescue said. “Residents are being advised to stay off the ice.”
Kingstonist reached out to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for comment on the matter.
“Public safety is our number one priority and, while the ministry appreciates the kindness of Ontarians, we advise the public and our staff not to place themselves at risk attempting to save wild animals,” said Jolanta Kowalski, Senior Media Relations Officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
According to some witnesses, the coyote seems to have moved from its original location, but it is not clear where the coyote went, or if it is, in fact, injured.
Kingstonist will continue to monitor this situation and update this article if more information becomes available.
Life Is Life. You NEED To Come Prepared! You Take A Tranquilizer Gun And You Save Coyotes Life! Coyote Is Just As Frightened Even More So Than A Dog And Leaving Is INHUMANE!
I agree. A coyote has as much right to life as any other living creature.
I so agree
What makes you think the coyote needs to be saved? That is such a domestic view of the situation. Respect Mother Nature and her animals and leave them be. There is no sign of distress. Think about it for a minute…
I totally agree who’s too say it’s not just taking a nap in the sun !
No signs of distress or injury … some people !
I totally agree … its life is still important and should not be suffering.
I agree with the above 3 comments!
Agreed rescue should have continued
We should risk human lives to save a coyote that may not actually need saving? Thats like getting the cat out of the tree… it’ll come down when it gets hungry.
So the coyote was eventually rescued, right?
So the coyote was eventually rescued, right? The Ministry of Natural Resources ensured it wasn’t hurt? They should know all about wolves and how to respond. I’ve never seen even one in Kingston so I don’t know how they’re helped.
So the coyote was eventually rescued, right? The Ministry of Natural Resources ensured it wasn’t hurt? They should know all about wolves and how to respond. I’ve never seen even one in Kingston so I don’t know how they’re helped. My in laws had to hold off building a dock on their lake house until it was determined they wouldn’t interfere with a spawning location, so I’m confident this wolf was just left without concern.