OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- After nine months of no attacks, an Overland Park family fears a coyote is again on the prowl in Johnson County.

A family's dog was killed at about 6:30 a.m. Friday near West 141st Street and Switzer Road, Overland Park police said.

The family let their dogs outside, then they heard one of them screaming in pain, police said. The family's 15-year-old boy found their cockapoo dead in a nearby yard, police said.

Overland Park police and city leaders are trying to determine what can be done to prevent similar attacks.

They agree that for the time being, the best way to deal with them is to hire a professional trapper, keep a close watch on small pets and try not to leave pet food outside, which could attract hungry coyotes.

Officials in Leawood, Kan., dealt with similar attacks last spring after 11 dogs were attacked by coyotes. Eight of them died and several cats disappeared.