What started as a regular walk on Ferry Street in Everett turned into a nightmare Tuesday afternoon when a man and his small dog were violently attacked, leaving the owner with a broken collarbone and his 8-year-old Shih Tzu badly hurt. PJ Peterson says a pit bull knocked him to the ground, then clamped onto his dog, Mushroom, before the other owner took off and disappeared. Peterson says he will be out of work for at least a month while he recovers.
According to NBC10 Boston, the attack was caught on surveillance video from a nearby convenience store on Ferry Street. The footage shows a woman walking away with a dog shortly after the incident. In a Facebook post, police confirmed that the other owner left before first responders arrived, and that Everett police and fire brought both Peterson and Mushroom in for treatment as the department opened an investigation.
Victim's plea and mounting veterinary bills
Peterson, who identified his dog as Mushroom, told NBC10 Boston, "Please turn yourself in," calling on the other owner to take responsibility for what happened. He says Mushroom's injuries have already led to about $17,000 in veterinary bills, an amount listed on a GoFundMe, and that the dog is expected to come home Friday. Peterson added that his broken collarbone will keep him out of work for at least a month.
Investigation remains active
Everett police say they are reviewing the surveillance footage and following leads in an effort to identify the woman and the dog seen in the video. Neighbors or anyone with information are being asked to contact Everett police as the department continues its investigation.
