Serious concerns after several close calls with coyotes in an eastside community prompted a public safety meeting Wednesday night near Boulder Highway and Tropicana Avenue.

As many as seven animals have been attacked and killed near Tropicana and Boulder.

“I was sleeping in the middle of the night, when I was awoken by my other dog and this blood curdling howling that I had never heard of before”, said Justine McKibbon.

Justine’s dog, Duke, was attacked. She says, “It fractured its neck in four different places and multiple lacerations around with no possibility of keeping him alive, and I had to euthanize him.”

At least seven dogs and cats have already been killed by coyotes within the past month.

McKibbon says, “Duke was 8.5 pounds, a Maltese from my son who lives in Arizona. He gave him to me, because he knew I was alone.”

In hopes of squashing rumors, the Nevada Department of Wildlife met with residents Wednesday night about what happened and what steps you can take to keep your animals safe. Many are still upset the issue is just now being addressed.

“I have concrete, six-foot brick walls around my house. I’ve done everything right,” says McKibbon.

Resident Adamar Urmenta came home to a grisly scene in his neighbor’s front yard. His neighbor’s cat was killed.

“He was, you know, chest part was cracked open, heart’s gone and lungs gone,” he said. “Just to hear that other dogs and see the cat, you know what I mean. They drew the first blood, and they are coming after my dogs.”

There are steps you can take to keep your animals protected. Don’t leave your pets outside overnight. Keep your bushes and any vegetation trimmed. Keep your trash secured and walk your dogs on a short leash.