Coyotes attack dog in Brockton

BROCKTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- On Monday night, a family’s dog was attacked by two coyotes in Brockton.

It was an unsettling sight in the Brockton backyard last year; a coyote stared down Stella, the family dog. She quickly chased the coyote off the property, but seconds later it came back.

On Monday, not one -- but two coyotes showed up to the backyard.

“She’s all black and blue in here all puffy and there’s one of the bites here,” said Michael Picanzi.

This time, the coyotes attacked the big Golden Retriever.

“We heard her howling and we weren't watching her at the time, and we looked out and there was two coyotes on her and she was able to get free. And she ran up into the house and she was scared and nervous,” Michael Picanzi said.

Anthony Picanzi watched the entire attack from inside.

“They got her on her belly as in she was on her back when they attacked her so that's why it was so easy to get her,” said Anthony Picanzi.

Stella was checked out by a veterinarian, and will be fine.

“If she were any smaller then she wouldn’t be here,” Anthony Picanzi said.

The Picanzi family has advice for pet owners when it comes to coyotes:

“Have a motion light and make a lot of noise if you see coyotes, carry a big stick,” said Michael Picanzi.

Brockton officials warn residents to be on alert for coyotes.