Neighbors say they have spotted several coyotes in the Little Mack subdivision

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) - Julie Wickware let her dog Duffy out in the backyard, just like she has always done, but when the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel didn’t come back within ten minutes, she knew something was wrong.

She went outside and saw Duffy on the ground, and a coyote heading out of her backyard.

Julie says she had no idea coyotes had been spotted several times in the Little Mack subdivision in Clinton Township over the last few months.

"I feel that if we just would have been aware that they were in the area, there's no way I would have let him out to do his business by himself," says Wickware.

Duffy died from a broken neck.

Since Thursday's attack, Julie has conferred with neighbors who say they have seen coyotes either alone, or in small packs.

Neighbor Rhys Blair says he even saw one in the middle of the afternoon.

“One came up between two houses and literally walked down the middle of North Miles," says Blair. "As if it owned the street.”

Julie and her neighbors are hoping her story will lead to more awareness.

Some are worried an attack on a dog might just be the first step.

“I’m more concerned that these coyotes are going to attack some child on this street,” says neighbor Mary Snyder.

The Macomb County Animal Shelter advises pet owners to remain with their pets when outside at all times.