In recent events, a string of dog maulings in New York City has arisen significant concern among pet owners, with victims left without recourse due to the current legal categorization of pets as property. In Brooklyn, Amy Butowicz's cockapoo, Fritz, faced severe injuries from another dog, reported NBC New York. Butowicz, who also sustained injuries during the incident, noted the attacking dog was unleashed at the time.
Unfortunately, akin to Butowicz's experience, a dog named Penny was nearly killed on the Upper West Side, and this wasn't the first such recent attack — with the same dog reportedly responsible for the death of a dog in Central Park earlier. According to CBS News, both incidents highlight a growing demand for legal revisions to address animal-on-animal violence.
Police have stated they cannot take action against dog-on-dog attacks under New York law, leading to frustration for those like Butowicz and other dog owners. "What if that dog hurts a kid next? Something has to happen for sure," Butowicz said in a statement obtained by NBC New York. Many are echoing this sentiment, feeling the law inadequately protects their four-legged family members.
In response to the outcry, City Councilmember Gale Brewer is advocating for a legal change, emphasizing that "We need to change that law." Public meetings on the Upper West Side saw heated discussions from concerned dog owners, with one, Charles Candreva, decrying the inadequacy of current legislation, "That's ridiculous. Children are not your property, they are your family. Dogs are your family," he told CBS News.
The legal pathway currently available to victims like Lauren Claus, Penny's owner, involves suing in civil court and trying to get the attacking dogs declared dangerous. Claus has been steadfast in her objective following the attack, "To get the dogs off the street and hold the owners accountable," as she expressed in a statement obtained by CBS News.
