Westminster dog attacked and killed by bald eagle, family says

A young woman’s Pomeranian was attacked and killed by an eagle in the family’s lakeside backyard, according to the family.

[harpervee]

I know a lot of you guys probably won’t believe this, but it’s a true story. My grandma has a cockatiel (a small bird) and she takes him everywhere with her. So one day, she took him outside, and suddenly he flew off her shoulder and a hawk snatched him from the air. My grandma was devastated. But after about half an hour, she started to hear him call, and then he flew back into her yard. And he is still alive to this day.

[koffinNAILS]

I was roofing a house and a bawled eagle took off with a little dog. Then the home owner said we took it. It was crazy

[greathannah]

Small dogs are always an easy target for EVERY predator, never let your pets outside in a place where predators roam free without supervision, specially if they’re small breeds of dog...
I’m so sorry for the owner but you can’t never blame a wild animal for being what it is, whether a predator or a herbivore

[stefvuho]

For Christ's sake why did they leave their dog unattended? It ain't the eagle's fault, ever.

[salvadorrosas]

Tiny dogs like that are pretty much helpless as rabbits or guinea pigs. You can’t leave them unattended outside.

[coreylee]

Bald Eagle takes your pet, you salute the bird and thank him for his service.

[capuchinfriarsusa]

"just hug your pet" before it becomes a snack

[jeff_the_killer]

"came home from dinner" is the exact moment the bird went home for dinner

[rakijr]

How could you let your 5 lb dog run around with a bird of prey less than 100 meters away? Pure ignorance.

[alybaba]

I am so very sorry, but if you leave fluffy little dogs outside without being with them anywhere, predators will often get them, even in the city. I have a red tail hawk that follows me every time I walk my little white dog. Hawks can carry off a 20 pound plus dog. Also if you knew there were coyotes you were aware enough to not leave any dog (even bigger dogs)outside, plus your fence is not going to protect your dogs from coyotes, mountain lions or any predator.

[ELLeeOh]

When you have small dog in the country you don't leave them unattended outside not even in your "protected fenced yard". Foxes, coyote, raccoons, mountain lions, bobcats and Birds of prey can all get over your fence with ease. Your yippee dog is an easy meal so be responsible for your property/pet watch them outside or keep them inside if you're not going to watch them poo and play

[kathymoorehead]

So sorry that happened to you. I had two sweet poms and I always worried about this as we lived by a wildlife park w mountain lions and of course eagles. People are quick to judge, but it’s easy to get comfortable with a place and have it feel safe, and then this. I’m so sorry for your loss.

[felixbischoff]

buy yourself an eagle and keep him as new pet

[pacificrules]

It is sad and my condolences to the family, but the wild eagle was hungry and its fair game when the pets are out playing. If you know there are eagles in the surrounding area of your home, you must take extra steps to protect your dog.

[NocturnalPyro]

Like a fence will do anything to stop a fucking eagle... that's hardly precautions, also that's why you don't get small dogs, they are seen as prey for a lot of animals.

[daynerpotter]

They were completely naive to think that wouldn't happen, the Eagle sizes up prey, swoops and grabs, easy pickings, keep your eye on your small pets. Wild animals can't go to Walmart for their food, they hunt!

[aaroncrawford]

My German shepherd was killed by a huge pigeon in the bronx. It can happen anywhere

[DP-kjhj]

If they saw the eagle and left that little dog outside anyway then they aren't very smart or aware people. RIP little dog sorry your owners are idiots.

[mrman-yjbn]

Leaving a tiny dog in a garden unattended, in the countryside. Is like serving somebody a meal and giving them a knife and fork.

[CASD]

All this condemnation is appalling. She's suffered enough. I can't even imagine. The fact she's sharing this is unselfish and a reminder to hug our dogs and keep an eye on them no matter how macho you think your dog is.