Details of a “harrowing” experience that saw a resident’s dog attacked by coyotes along a local beach area headlined the citizens’ comments portion of the April 23 Isle of Palms City Council meeting.
Upon venturing out on March 20 from her home near Palm Boulevard in search of her 100-pound Labrador Retriever, Murphy, Maryanne Chalmers discovered that her canine had been chased out of his backyard by a growing pack of coyotes.
During her search at the 23rd Avenue beach access, the pet owner came across a growling group of coyotes that had assaulted Murphy, who survived the violent incident.
What saved her dog was his floppy skin, she reported, as the wild animals targeted Murphy’s muscles during the onslaught.
The outcome could have been much worse, stated Chalmers, had the resident coyotes victimized a human child instead.
“You shouldn’t go down there at night, it’s dangerous,” continued the IOP resident in referencing the beach access areas of 23rd and 25th avenues, where coyotes have been seen walking across even in daylight.
“Coyote sightings are one thing, but I know of seven coyote attacks, including Murphy, in the last month. They’ve been very brazen in the daytime, at night. One owner’s dog was dragged off the beach access by a male and then a female and had to undergo surgery.”
Chalmers asked City Council to take action against the burgeoning coyote population along beach areas. The complainant mentioned that she has been in contact with DHEC regarding the concern.
Noise was also on the council menu, with Henry Hagerty (aka Coach Henry) introducing his Quiet Island stickers to the audience in the interest of toning down “unreasonable” sound produced by IOP short-term renters.
“Why should rentals be allowed to have outdoor speakers for people to go crazy and party down when we are trying to sleep next door?,” he asked.
“In short, why should the rest of us suffer so that others can make money from their properties or businesses making noise?”
Hagerty maintained that Isle of Palms Police Department has supported his efforts to suppress music and other high-volume generating sounds. The Sullivan’s Island police force, however, has pushed back against his sticker initiative, he claimed, when mentioning raucous noise along Myrtle Avenue.
The speaker suggested that visitors seeking a loud party environment travel to Myrtle Beach, which is better suited for boisterous gatherings.
The IOPPD was also praised by island resident Julie Nestler, when recounting her daughter’s March 1 call for service during an attempted home break-in. Local officers, she stated, were at her residence almost immediately to patrol the area and view security footage.
The entire matter was addressed within six minutes, noted Nestler.
She lauded the island’s seasoned officers who know the island like “the back of their hand,” know the fastest way of getting from Point A to Point B and show a willingness to engage with community members.
On that point, she singled out seven officers by name and advised that Police Chief Kevin Cornett issue them recognition for their “outstanding service protection” and “dedication.”
