A recent mauling incident on the Upper West Side has renewed concerns among pet owners, as two dogs classified as dangerous remain at large. According to CBS News, a chihuahua mix named Penny was attacked last Saturday at 85th Street and Columbus Avenue. Another woman has now come forward, claiming these same dogs killed her shih-tzu in a prior incident. Penny's owner, Lauren Claus, is demanding that the dogs be removed from the streets, and their owners held accountable.
These aggressive dogs have been a reported issue since January, when they were involved in another attack that left a 17-year-old shih tzu-mix named Grover. The owner of Grover, who chose to remain anonymous, told CBS News, "Grover was completely blind and defenseless. I was screaming that he was dead," as she recounted the harrowing ordeal. Under current New York law, pets are considered property, and police say they cannot investigate the attack, leaving pet owners like Grover's with few options for justice.
Meanwhile, Manhattan attorney Lauren Block, whose dogs were also victims of these pit bulls, expressed her frustration to The Post. "The way the one dog was picking up Grover and shaking him like a stuffed animal, I could just imagine him picking up a child and doing that," Block said. The attack resulted in the death of Grover and left another of Block’s dogs, Chuckie, seriously injured. She had filed a dangerous dog complaint but stated that the Department of Health & Human Services had been unable to reach the owner of the pit bulls.
The aftermath of the attacks has prompted local response, with dog owners demanding legislative changes. City Councilmember Gale Brewer is advocating to criminalize dog-on-dog attacks, as reported by CBS News. "Why is it that a dog can attack another dog and nothing gets done?" Brewer questioned, highlighting a gap in the legal system that overlooks the safety of pets. Claus previously said that her current options are limited to civil court action, despite the NYPD having been advised of the incidents and the district attorney launching an investigation into Penny's case.
Tensions in the community remain as discussions about pet safety continue. With current legal options limited, pet owners are pursuing avenues for change to address the potential for future incidents involving the same dogs.
