It’s no urban myth; small dogs and cats are being grabbed by predatory birds. Although it’s relatively rare, it does happen. Often the hawk or owl quickly drops the pet, realizing it’s far too heavy to carry. But sometimes, it doesn’t turn out well.
The sad truth is: large raptors, such as Red-tailed Hawks and Great Horned Owls, can attack and kill small pets. Typically these predator birds eat rodents, birds, rabbits, snakes, and insects, but we need to keep our small dogs like Morkies safe.
Recent reports of hawk attacks on small dogs
Little Nappi was attacked by a hawk in her own yard according to owners. See the video here.
Super disturbing incident in Ireland!
This instance, in the news January, 2017, is particularly horrible because the owner actually set his bird of prey on the tiny Pomeranian on purpose! The dog owner said his two children were left “hysterical” while watching their beloved pooch Bonnie being pinned to the ground for five minutes with the Harris hawk’s talons embedded in her head.
Little Bonnie, after being attacked by a bird of prey WHICH THE OWNER SET ON HER PURPOSELY!
Finally after about 5 minutes, the bird owner called off the attack. When the dog owner tried to get his address, the bird-brain guy set his hawk on them again!! Unbelievable. (Read more in the Irish Mirror)
Lori Timczyk with her daughter Jessica, 15, and Rocky, their 4-pound Yorkshire terrier who survived an attack from a hawk. 2015, near Pittsburgh. You can read their story here.
Which birds are dangerous?
There are a number of birds of prey, or ‘raptors’ which could harm your Morkie or other small pet. But the two most dangerous are the Red-Tailed Hawk and the Great Horned Owl.
Keeping your Morkie safe
Although chances of a hawk or owl attack are pretty miniscule, it never hurts to take precautions, especially if you live in the country. Here are some tips –
Keep your pets leashed and supervise them while they’re outside. Putting your Morkie outside? Stay with your pup. Owls and hawks aren’t the only dangers – coyotes are encroaching on developed areas more and more. And… what about the low life scumbags who target and steal small dogs so that they can resell them?
Don’t feed your Morkie outside. He won’t be as aware of what’s going on, and food could attract predators.
Never disturb nesting birds or their offspring. Raptor birds are protected by law;
Avoid feeding ground birds and low feeders like doves and quail. They attract predatory birds.
Remember this scene?
This is Sandra Bullock from the hilarious movie, The Proposal (2009). Bullock, a self-absorbed executive, is on her cell phone and doesn’t notice that a hawk has just swooped down to grab her American Eskimo dog. Luckily she grabs the dog back.