A Woodbridge family is mourning the loss of its dog that was killed by a coyote.

The Lebowitz family says it heard the 4-year-old Yorkie cry out while outside Monday night. When they went into the yard, they spotted a coyote, but no sign of their pet.

The Lebowitzes say they thought their dog was safe in the yard because they have an electric fence to keep him from running away. Woodbridge Animal Control officials say electric fences do little to keep predators out.

Animal control officials say pets should never be left unattended outside, especially at night.