Hawks Attack Small Dog In Secaucus, Councilman Says

SECAUCUS, NJ — A small dog was nearly picked up by several hawks on Pandolfi Avenue in Secaucus last month, Councilman James Clancy told Patch.

He said the incident happened several weeks ago, back in mid-April. The small dog was in the backyard of the home on Pandolfi and multiple birds of prey — it could have been as many as three — tried to pick the dog up, he said.

Clancy said he was informed of this by an employee with the town's Animal Control. Additionally, at least four bald eagles have been spotted in the Meadowlands area near Secaucus this spring. Pet owners in Secaucus are advised to watch their small cats and dogs.

Hawks and other birds of prey attacking pets, even dogs, is not unheard of. A recent incident occurred around this same time span, mid April of last year: An adult Samoyed, a type of dog, was brought into a veterinary office in Englishtown with puncture wounds on its back. The vet said he strongly suspects the dog was attacked in its Aberdeen backyard by a hawk.

"(He) was discovered badly injured in his own Aberdeen backyard. His injuries were consistent with the puncture wounds made by the talons and grip of a hawk," the vet's office said. "After many stitches, this lucky dog was able to go home with his family and will be okay (perhaps because his heavier weight made him more difficult to be carried off.)"

Hawks, bald eagles and osprey have been known to pick up puppies, squirrels, kittens and other small animals. Farmers have long known to protect livestock, such as chickens, from bald eagles. Even humans have been severely injured by dive-bombing birds of prey.

Related: Dog Likely Attacked By Hawk In Aberdeen, Vet Says