New Canaan residents say they watched in shock as coyotes attacked their dog behind their home Sunday.

The attack took place on Ferris Hill Road, where owners say coyotes attacked their lab mix, Shadow. The dog required 25 stitches from an injury to his back.

Pam White, who lives next door to Shadow's owners, fears for her dogs' safety. She says the coyotes are getting braver.

"They are not scared, they are very brave at this point, almost domesticated," White says. White has three dogs and says she is afraid to let her pets be in the backyard alone.

White claims she hears coyotes throughout the day and night in the area behind her house. She also says a neighbor's small pug was found in pieces, an incident she blames on the coyotes. Residents say the entire situation also has them concerned about their children and pets.

Police say it's up to the state Department of Environmental Protection to handle the situation, possibly by using traps. The DEP says it normally responds when coyotes become overly aggressive, including cases of dog attacks. The DEP did receive a call from New Canaan animal control Tuesday.

New Canaan Animal Control is asking anyone with information about the coyotes to call police at (203) 594-3500 .