Wild Animals
On several occasions residents have reported sightings of Indigenous wildlife. Unfortunately, on a few occasions, Coyotes, Raccoons, Skunks and other uninvited creatures intrude residential areas. It is known that Coyotes cause the greatest concern among residents because of their reputation of attacking small domestic pets such as cats and dogs. The City of Hurstbourne is actively pursuing available options concerning nuisance wildlife.
A few helpful tips regarding Coyotes
There are a number of preventative measures that can be taken to reduce risk of intrusion from unwanted wildlife; particularly Coyotes:
Education
Learn all you can about the real nature and habits of these animals.
Keep your pet leashed at all times
On most occasions, domestic pets will pursue anything unknown that comes upon their territory and may initiate a confrontation regardless of potential dangers that exist. Coyotes are known to see small pets as a meal or even a threat to their own pups. The best solution to this hazard is to not let your pet run loose.
Don’t feed unwanted Guests
Another contributing cause of the Coyote problem is unintended feeding. Remember not to leave pet food outside at any time because Coyotes and other wild animals will seek out food and pay you and your neighbors regular visits.
Coyote “Hazing”
As unusual as it may seem, whenever you see a Coyote, consider the following:
Wave your arms, yell, shout, clap your hands, whistle, bang or beat a loud instrument.
This is known as “hazing” by wildlife experts. However, it is important not to run up to or away from these animals.
These techniques have proven to be successful in “training” Coyotes to learn that Humans are large, noisy and scary. The obvious benefit is they will avoid Human contact in the future.
Even More Education
The National Humane Society provides comprehensive educational information on the subject of Coyotes. PDF’s of a few articles on the subject are available for your review and use:
Coyote Management – Fact Sheet
Preventing Conflicts With Coyotes
Coyote Hazing Guideline
Domesticated Animals
Summary of Hurstbourne Ordinance on Animal Problems
No person who is the owner of any animal shall not permit such animal to run at large in any public road, highway, street, lane, or alley, or upon unenclosed land, or permit it to go on any private yard, lot or enclosure without the consent of the owner of the yard, lot, or enclosure.
The owner of an animal who permits it to run at large in violation of this section is liable for all damages caused by such animal upon the premises of another.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog, either licensed or unlicensed, regardless of the age of the dog, to allow the dog to be at large and unattended or to run in any street, park, lawn, garden, schoolyard, playground, or any other public or private property.
No person shall keep or harbor any dog within the city which, by frequent and habitual barking, howling, or yelping, creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noises of such a character, intensity, and duration as to disturb the peace, quiet, and good order or one or more of the inhabitants of two or more separate residences. Any person who shall allow any dog habitually to remain, be lodged, or fed within any dwelling, yard, or enclosure which he occupies or owns shall be considered as harboring the dog.
Any person who controls or owns property within the city where an animal pen is located, shall keep the pen yard, lot or other enclosure in a sanitary condition and free from preventable offensive odors.
If an Animal problem occurs, call the City of Hurstbourne at (502) 426-4808 or email us at info@hurstbourne.org. Be sure to also call Metro Animal Control.
Animal Control
Animal Problems & License
Animal Control & Protection
3700 Manslick Road
Louisville, KY 40215
General Complaints 363-6609
Stray Animal Pick-up 363-6609
Animal Licenses/Administration 361-1318
Please be a good Dog Owner and a good Neighbor